First Congregational Church of Los Angeles image

First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Tourist attraction Church Wedding chapel Protestant church United church of christ

👍👍 Attended a family friend's wedding here and it was very solemn atmosphere. Great architecture, love the old craftsmanship of woodcarvings, pipe organ added substance to the occasion. Lots of parking, clean and we'll stocked facilities in several strategic places. Helpful, patient and friendly securi... People often mention church, organ, capstones, pipe, beautiful, sponsor,


Address

540 S Commonwealth Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020

Website

fccla.org

Contact

(213) 385-1341

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (282 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 6 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (16) organ (10) capstones (9) pipe (6) beautiful (6) sponsor (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 David T. 5 years ago on Google • 207 reviews
    The Progressive religious view you've always wanted to hear from the pulpit. (Though its a Gothic Cathedral this church has never been a catholic venue) The staff and Minister are loving and amazing humans, truly affecting change here in Los Angeles. If your looking for some where to feel accepted and loved for who you are (or whatever you are - they have an annual bring you pet day Blessing of the Animals), this is the place. AND, and this is no minor And, this Gothic Cathedral includes the largest pipe organ in the US with over 22,000 pipes. Its played by a world renowned organist, and every week you'll here classical music written to be played in venues like this.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arlie A. 4 years ago on Google • 174 reviews
    Attended a family friend's wedding here and it was very solemn atmosphere. Great architecture, love the old craftsmanship of woodcarvings, pipe organ added substance to the occasion. Lots of parking, clean and we'll stocked facilities in several strategic places. Helpful, patient and friendly security staff. This is a good venue to consider for large gathering of same faith.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Guy H. 1 year ago on Google • 143 reviews
    We came here tonight for a show. Such a beautiful building and acoustics. The organ is a masterpiece. I could stare into the stained glass panels for hours as well.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeff H. 5 years ago on Google • 40 reviews
    Member 10 years. Has world's largest functioning pipe organ with over 22,000 pipes. Progressive protestant church. All are welcome.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Denise L. 1 year ago on Google
    This is such a beautiful church with a powerful sounding pipe organ. Eloquent sermons!!! :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Leoma D. 1 year ago on Google
    Atheist here, generally not a fan of churches. I'm commenting on what this church did after the Northridge Quake, for which I give 5 stars. Bit of a long story, but of historical interest. The Northridge quake opened with a massive vertical thrust that literally threw me out of my bed, a VERY rude awakening. That thrust also collapsed bridges, pancaked floors, threw roofing tiles, and tossed this church's four massive capstones like flipping a burger. They fortunately landed back more or less in place without doing any damage, but noticeably out-of-alignment. About a week later, a huge crane was seen removing these capstones. For a year or so, the tower was an eyesore, topped with four stumps, until some lightweight (fiberglass?) caps, molded after the original capstones, appeared as a cosmetic, much-less-hazardous replacement. They didn't look quite right, but better than four stumps. Fast-forward a few more years, and one day all four of the original capstones show up framing the driveway entrances to the church property, including a commemorative plaque.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kt D. 3 months ago on Google • 177 reviews New
    A party was hosted here. It has on-site parking.

  • 5/5 Joseph S. 4 months ago on Google • 86 reviews
    It wouldn't be Christmas without attending the Christmas Eve service at First Congragational Church. A tradition my family has done for many years.

  • 5/5 Edell S. 2 months ago on Google • 84 reviews New
    Beautiful!

  • 5/5 Nancy A. 5 years ago on Google • 76 reviews
    Beautiful downtown LA cathedral. There is a school adjacent. The pipe organ is massive. Stained glass windows lend an ethereal glow to the interior. Beautiful location for a vocal performance - which is why I was there. There is a parking lot/structure attached.

  • 5/5 Jojo V. 4 months ago on Google • 74 reviews
    Food bank

  • 5/5 Sandi C. 4 months ago on Google • 63 reviews
    One of the most beautiful churches in LA. It is a very progressive and welcoming church. They host many events all year long.

  • 5/5 Mitchell B. R. 8 months ago on Google • 49 reviews
    Peaceful, reverent, friendly I've attended services here in the past. Highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Rob P. 2 years ago on Google • 47 reviews
    I cannot believe how incredibly wonderful and beautiful the service was. Can't wait to go back this Sunday. The organ music was glorious. Wow.

  • 5/5 Katye G. 4 years ago on Google • 14 reviews
    Beautiful church! We were here for my daughter's graduation. Such a beautiful location for it to be held!

  • 5/5 Александр �. 8 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    My name is Alex. I'm 35. I'm from Ukraine. Because of the war, we have no work in the country, so I want to get a job in the USA. Now there is an opportunity to go to work under the refugee program, but this requires a sponsor (a person who will send an invitation on the government website, you probably heard about it). I want to ask you to become my sponsor, this does not oblige you to anything, but it will help me and my family to survive in this difficult time for us. Thank you

  • 1/5 Ricardo Mercado J. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely not a church. Couldn’t get into any service. Not a member. Definitely for tourist and weddings.

  • 5/5 Kim S. 1 year ago on Google
    That is a gorgeous, historical church, both inside and out, and has plenty of subterranean parking. I haven't heard the organ played yet, as I have been there for two choir concerts, but I was told that to hear the organ played is just a phenomenal experience.

  • 5/5 Gregor R. 1 year ago on Google
    If you love first & world class spiritual and classical music, this church packs the most power imaginable. You won't believe these Grammy nominated artists and what they pull off, accompanied with the world most powerful pipe organ. Come in for a treat Sundays at 10.30. Great place to meditate and pray. They are cool, they don't try to "recruit you", so no fears, haha.

  • 5/5 Abraham P. 11 months ago on Google
    My personal experience was very heart warming feeling loved the choir music through the church session, I felt shy but comfortable, like the diversity congregation. The sermon was falling and beautiful.

  • 5/5 Goudy J. 11 months ago on Google
    Wow, super special treat!

  • 5/5 Mr. A. 9 months ago on Google
    Praise the Lord Sir i am from India can I get work in your church ....I have completed my bachelor's degree in theology...

  • 5/5 Gala K. 8 months ago on Google
    glory to Jesus Christ we are family from Ukraine Halyna and my husband Mykhailo!! We lived in Kharkov before the war, had our own business, bakery. On 22.02.2022 we had come to Poland to buy special mixes for baking breads and on February 24 we found out about Russian invasion. After all that, about proximity in 5 days we were informed that our home and bakery had been destroyed. Now we decided not to stop and continue to come back to our favorite business. We have 2 daughters, they are at a safe place in Uzbekistan grandmothers. We had a sponsor 5 months ago but unfortunately we were not ready to arrive in America. We don't need financial help or any accommodation. We need someone who takes the lead as a sponsor and fills out an application (Form T134). Thank you very much for your attention.

  • 5/5 Solomiia M. 8 months ago on Google
    Good day. My name is Solomiia. I'm 31 years old. Because of the war in Ukraine, I want to move to the USA. For this, I am looking for a sponsor for the U4U program (the person who will send the invitation to the government website). I want to ask you to become my sponsor so that I can stop fearing for my life. Thank you.

  • 5/5 Doug M. 1 year ago on Google
    Atheist here, generally not a fan of churches. I'm commenting on what this church did after the Northridge Quake, for which I give 5 stars. Bit of a long story, but of historical interest. The Northridge quake opened with a massive vertical thrust that literally threw me out of my bed, a VERY rude awakening. That thrust also collapsed bridges, pancaked floors, threw roofing tiles, and tossed this church's four massive capstones like flipping a burger. They fortunately landed back more or less in place without doing any damage, but noticeably out-of-alignment. About a week late, a huge crane was seen removing these capstones. For a year or so, the tower was an eyesore, topped with four stumps, until some lightweight (fiberglass?) caps, molded after the original capstones, appeared as a cosmetic, much-less-hazardous replacement. They didn't look quite right, but better than four stumps. Fast-forward a few more years, and one day all four of the original capstones show up framing the driveway entrances to the church property, including a commemorative plaque. Hooray to First Congregational Church of Los Angeles for preserving and repurposing those capstones in a historically-appropriate manner.

  • 5/5 Robert A. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful church. Didn't go to services. Was there for a book signing.

  • 5/5 Steven M. 8 months ago on Google • 1 review
    Such an incredible place of architecture; echoes of an 'Old World' past. It's difficult to believe this church/cathedral was built in 1886. 'Founded' is the key term. This place is beyond our time, it's interesting to see it's reflection in the 'modern' building across from it. Speaks volumes.


Call (213) 385-1341 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Universal Studios Hollywood image
1
Universal Studios Hollywood
Theme park
Sprawling amusement park with a cinema theme, featuring rides, restaurants, shops & shows.
4.60 (151.4K reviews)
Griffith Park image
2
Griffith Park
Park
Urban oasis featuring hiking & equestrian trails, plus city views, the Greek Theatre & the L.A. Zoo.
4.70 (66.6K reviews)
Hollywood Walk of Fame image
3
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Historical landmark
Famous Hollywood sidewalk area emblazoned with stars & celebrity names since 1960.
4.00 (46.3K reviews)
Dodger Stadium image
4
Dodger Stadium
Stadium
This classic ballpark, one of baseball's oldest, has hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers since 1962.
4.70 (42.8K reviews)
Grand Central Market image
5
Grand Central Market
Food court
Emporium hosting food vendors & florists, plus game nights, movies & other events, since 1917.
$ $$$
4.50 (31.1K reviews)
Last updated:
()