First Parish of Westwood

Los Angeles, California

Organization Summary

About

Angelus Temple is the first church founded by the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and fully supports its statement of beliefs. Bordering beautiful Echo Park in East Los Angeles, this growing church brings a message of hope and advances God’s kingdom by serving the inner city’s physical, spiritual and many other needs.

History

In 1918, evangelist and social advocate Aimee Semple McPherson felt called by God to travel West and lead a church in the heart of booming Los Angeles. Just five years later, she founded Angelus Temple, preaching four essential Biblical truths: Jesus Christ was The Savior, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, Healer and Soon-Coming King. (This new Pentecostal denomination soon came to be called The Foursquare Church.) Amidst extreme poverty and social upheaval, McPherson passionately preached God’s hope and healing power, leading countless city-wide initiatives to care for the hungry, homeless and broken. Continuing this legacy of service, Angelus Temple will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2023.