Monday, April 25, 2011

First Congregational Church Los Angeles, Allison & Allison, Architects 1930-32

Founded in 1867, First Congregational Church of Los Angeles is the oldest Protestant church in continuous service in Los Angeles. The present English Gothic style building is the church's fifth home, designed by James E. and David C. Allison, and completed in 1932. Built of reinforced concrete; imbedded in the concrete are over 500 tons of steel bars.

When you enter the nave from the narthex, you see ahead of you a beautiful slender window on the east chancel wall. It depicts the life of Christ in a series of 15 medallions and is topped by the trefoil with the traditional symbols of the Trinity — the hand of God, the Lamb of God, and the Dove — grouped about the Bible. The other two chancel windows also show scenes from Christ's life.

The entire structure, including Shatto Chapel and the Seaver Building, encompasses an area of 157,000 square feet. At its apex is a massive tower, which rises to a height of 157 feet. Its design is reminiscent of the tower of Oxford University's Magdalen College.

The church is located at 540 South Commonwealth Avenue (Northwest corner of West Sixth Street).

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