Kneeling by her sick daughter's bed in the early 1920s, Aimee Semple McPherson received a vision from above, urging her to create "a little home in Los Angeles." Or so the story goes.
Kneeling by her sick daughter's bed in the early 1920s, Aimee Semple McPherson received a vision from above, urging her to create "a little home in Los Angeles." Or so the story goes.
Her next step involved raising $250,000 from wealthy donors and contracting renowned architect Brook Hawkins to build a 5,300-person arena. By 1923, the Angelus Temple was born.
A talented preacher, McPherson spoke to her congregation herself until she grew older, eventually handing the responsibility to Matthew Barnett in 2001.
America's first megachurch still draws thousands of attendees every week.
1
Construction of Angelus Temple
Echo Park, California, 1922. Over its first seven years, over 40 million people attended the church.
2
Aimee Semple McPherson
In front of a dedication plaque installed in a column at the newly opened Angelus Temple in 1923.
3
Angelus Temple Postcard, Los Angeles 1930-1945.
The Temple underwent its first major renovation in 1972.
4
Congregation at Angelus Temple
During 14-hour Holy Ghost service led by Aimee Semple McPherson. 1942.
5
Postcard view of the Angelus Temple, Likely 1930-1940.
In 1924, the church constructed twin towers to broadcast sermons by radio.
6
Head Pastor Matthew Barnett
Barnett combined the Dream Center with Angelus Temple to be a center for charitable services.
7
The Angelus Temple
The Temple's most recent major renovation came in 2002.
8
Worship Service in 2010
The church drew 8,975 visitors on average every week in 2015.
9
Aimee Semple McPherson
Cutting into Angelus Temple cake, 1927. She preached up to three times a day, every day
10
The Inside
The Temple was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1992.
