From Where We Have Come
A Brief History
In early 1945 a small group of spirit-filled lay people had a vision of a Methodist church which would serve the rapidly growing African-American population on the west side of Los Angeles.
On February 11, 1945, this vision became a reality and the first service was held in a Seventh Day Adventist church on West 36th Place. (Subsequent services were held in various locations including a dance hall and a Japanese
church.) Reverend J.L. Jones, and ex-army chaplain was appointed as the first minister and the church was named Morgan Chapel.
God blessed this fledgling group of dedicated individuals and the congregation grew in numbers and in Christian service.
The congregation purchased its first permanent building in 1947 – a former Jewish Synagogue on the corner of Cimarron and Jefferson. Reverend Laneau L. White was appointed the first permanent minister of the renamed Holman Methodist Church.
Under the leadership of Rev. White the church continued to grow and in 1951 purchased the Pepperdine Mansion at 3320 West Adams Boulevard. The award winning sanctuary was completed in 1958. And in 1965, the Educational Building was constructed. A solid tradition of excellence in music, programs for youth, community involvement, and prayer flourished.
In 1974, Reverend James M. Lawson, Jr. and his family arrived at Holman and the faith led journey pressed on. Ministries of peace and social justice became a cornerstone of Holman’s Christian outreach. The Multipurpose Building was completed in 1992 and the main sanctuary underwent major retrofitting to meet earthquake standards. The full service campus provided a place for worship, Christian education, and community activities.
Today, Reverend Henry L. Masters, Sr. serves as senior pastor. Holman UMC, the Church of the Bells, continues to be a beacon of light for the Los Angeles Community. Alternative worship opportunities, discipleship classes, health and safety programs are among the ministries which have been added to meet the needs of the diverse Los Angeles population. God is still moving in the life of this congregation.
