It was on January 7, 1980, against the backdrop of the social issues of the ’60s and ’70s that the Ephesus church found its start.
Beginning with 75 members as an overflow of the 54th St. church, the new Ephesus congregation met first at Inglewood Park, a Presbyterian church on Normandie Ave., then at 53rd St. School gymnasium, before settling at its current location on Western Ave. in December 1985.
“Throughout the past 45 years,” shared Dawn Bernard and Nolynthia Brangman, members of Ephesus church and the 45th anniversary planning committee, “ministries included weekly Bible studies, back-toschool programs, parking lot health fairs, health education classes, participation in Pathway to Health, and numerous services to the community through our Ephesus Community Services in partnership with local churches and volunteers, including a food pantry, a clean safe place for showers, and distribution of clothes and other essentials. “
This year, as the congregation celebrated its 45th anniversary, it was a time of reminiscing and recommitment to the mission that has driven them for almost five decades. Southern California Conference (SCC) leadership affirmed the church, stating: “For nearly half a century, Ephesus has stood faithfully as the church on the corner with Christ at the center—a beacon of light, hope, and unwavering witness in the city of Los Angeles. Your ministry has been a living testimony of the love of Christ, reflected through vibrant worship, passionate outreach, and your deep commitment to building community and proclaiming the everlasting gospel.“
“Forty-five years later, our mission remains the same,” current pastor Donavan Childs said, “worshipping God in spirit and truth and being of service to the community.”
