8155 Painter Avenue

Whittier Church of Christ
Whittier, California

The Whittier Church of Christ is built in a classic Spanish style.  It features a front colonnade of  arched openings.  The whole of the church is roofed in red clay tile.  And above the roof of the double front doors of the auditorium is a circle window.  Another distinctive feature is the tower with a dome of turquoise and maze glazed brick.

Tower and Dome

Colored Glazed Brick Dome of Tower

"During World War I the need for a congregation in Whittier was recognized. A few members of the church lived in the Whittier area for short periods from 1916 to 1938. The earliest know attempts to begin a congregation was in 1916 in the home of R.T. Lyttle.... But, not until May 1938 was there a sustained work begun.

"The church began regular meetings with 32 charter members. They met in the Women’s Club, at the corner of Friends and Bailey Streets.

Front Entrance of Auditorium

"In 1943 the congregation bought a building at 341 South Milton Avenue. The church occupied this facility until property was secured and the present auditorium built at 8155 Painter Avenue. The new building was dedicated December 17, 1950.

"Additions have been made to the property.

"On October 6, 1985 the church concluded a building fund campaign called “To God Be The Glory” by taken up a $1.2 collection to the build our Family Life Center. The FLC consists of classrooms, fellowship hall and gymnasium." (Link 1.)

Photos: Taken in June 2013 by SW.

Link 1: http://whittiercoc.org/new-here/our-history/
Link 2: http://whittiercoc.org/

*****

Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen

(SW)

6355 Greenleaf Avenue

First Christian Church
Whittier, California

"Whittier is located in Los Angeles County, about 12 miles southeast of the City of Los Angeles....The Charter form of City government was ratified in 1955. The City covers 14.8 square miles and has an estimated population of 85,244. 

"The town was named after fellow Quaker John Greenleaf Whittier, a famous poet, writer and newspaper editor. John Greenleaf Whittier never had the opportunity to visit the town that bears his name but he did write and dedicate a poem in honor of the new City.

"My Name I Give To Thee"

Dear Town, for whom the flowers are born,

Stars shine, and happy songbirds sing,

What can my evening give to thy morn,

My Winter to Thy Spring? 

A life not void of pure intent

With small desert of praise or blame;

The Love I felt, the Good I meant,

I leave Thee with My Name. (Link 2.)

Corner Stone

Whittier First Christian Church was built in 1923.  The total value of the property in 2008/2009 was $982,414. (Link 4.)  The front of this stately church has six free standing Ionic columns.  To each side, on the facade are two Doric columns.  Both sides of the building  are adorned with banks of tall arched windows.  The glass in these windows is marble with a center feature.

Side Marbled Glass Windows

Sunday worship services are presented in both English and Spanish.

Whittier First Christian Church  was designated a heritage landmark in the

California Register of Historic Resources in 2001.(Link 3.)

Photos: Taken in June 2013 by SW.
Link 1: http://www.fccwhittier.org/
Link 2: http://www.cityofwhittier.org/about/default.asp
Link 3: http://www.cityofwhittier.org/depts/cd/planning/histpres/landmarks.asp
Link 4: http://www.city-data.com

*****

Prayer

God, be with the persecuted Christians through out the world. Amen
(SW)