Day 84: Filipino Christian Church, Los Angeles, California
📌APIA Every Day (84) - The Filipino Christian Church, located in Los Angeles, California, was established in 1950. Initially, it consisted of a group of young Filipino male students enrolled at the California Christian College, who founded the group in 1928 under the name "Filipino Christian Fellowship." They were the first religious group formed for the earliest Filipino immigrants. In 1933, the Fellowship reorganized as a formal church, relocating from place to place, including Little Manila, Bunker Hill, and Temple-Figueroa, due to city redevelopment projects that demolished various neighborhoods in L.A. The church finally acquired the former Union Avenue M.S. Church in the Temple-Beverly corridor as its permanent location. The establishment of this church led other Filipino organizations and institutions to relocate to the area, now known as Historic Filipinotown.
The Filipino Christian Church served various purposes, becoming a receiving ground of sorts. For those without a place to stay, it became a temporary home until permanent housing arrangements could be made. Additionally, it served as a place for newly arriving Filipinos to congregate and socialize with other Filipino residents.
Since its construction, the Filipino Christian Church has played a vital role in the civic and cultural advancement of the Filipino community in Los Angeles. It was the birthplace of the earliest Filipino American organizations in the U.S., such as the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles. It also established the local chapter of the Filipino American National Historical Society and served as a place to gather and learn for the Filipino Cultural School.
The Filipino Christian Church became a safe haven for Filipinos arriving and residing in the Los Angeles area. It acted as a social and community hub to uplift the Filipino American community and provide safety during times when the Filipino community faced racism from local LA residents. The church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2019.
LEARN MORE:
NPS: Filipino Christian Church
Los Angeles Magazine: You Can Take a Jeepney Tour in Filipinotown, and It's Legit Fun
Facebook: Filipino Disciples Christian Church
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