First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles

Los Angeles's oldest African American church, founded 1872 — a landmark of the civil rights movement and today a megachurch of 19,000 members.

The First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles (First AME) is the oldest African American congregation in Los Angeles, founded in 1872. What began as a small community in a racially segregated city has grown into one of Southern California's most influential religious institutions, with approximately 19,000 predominantly African American members. The church played a central role in the civil rights movement in Los Angeles and has hosted figures from Martin Luther King Jr. to Barack Obama. First AME's Sunday services are known for their vibrant gospel choirs and strong community spirit — a cultural experience extending well beyond the religious.