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 | A major contributor to this User:Christopher Frazier (Make Good) is employed by Make Good, which serves as agency of record for the Free Methodist Church in Southern California. appears to have a close connection with its subject. |
The Free Methodist Church in Southern California (FMCSC) is an annual conference of the Free Methodist Church, serving communities throughout Southern California. Established in 1891, it operates as a regional body overseeing Free Methodist churches, ministries, and organizations south of San Luis Obispo and Inyo County lines.
History
editEstablishment
editThe Southern California Conference was authorized by the General Conference of the Free Methodist Church in 1890. The first conference session was held in Los Angeles on May 21, 1891, with two ministerial members and five lay delegates representing five churches: Artesia, Compton, Los Angeles, Los Angeles-French, and Pasadena. The initial membership totaled 126 people with 213 enrolled in Sunday School programs.
Educational Development
editIn 1903, the conference established Los Angeles Pacific Seminary, which later evolved into Los Angeles Pacific College. By 1960, the institution had 241 students enrolled in two-year programs, with 42% identifying as Free Methodist. In 1965, the college merged with Azusa College to form what would later become Azusa Pacific University.
Early Social Justice Initiatives
editThe conference established the Main Street Church and Hahneman Clinic in 1918, providing medical care to over 5,000 patients annually through an innovative "One Penny Daily" funding plan that made healthcare accessible to underserved communities.
Cultural and Ethnic Ministry Development
editThe conference developed several pioneering multicultural ministries:
- 1917: Established first Latino ministry on Sotello Street, Los Angeles
- 1918: Founded Chino congregation, one of the oldest Latino Free Methodist churches in Southern California
- 1939: Established Hermon Cantonese Free Methodist Church, the first Asian ministry in the conference
- 2009: Began Arabic-language ministries in El Cajon
By 1931, Latino ministry growth led to the organization of the "Mexican Free Methodist Church" of California and Mexico, which later divided into separate conferences in 1958.
Notable Historical Churches
editHermon Free Methodist Church
editFounded in 1903, Hermon Free Methodist Church played a significant role in the development of Los Angeles Pacific Seminary. The church area was settled by Free Methodists who purchased lots to support the seminary, and the original school at 625 Coleman Avenue evolved into Los Angeles Pacific College.
Santa Barbara Free Methodist Church
editEstablished in 1955, beginning with 35 people meeting in Arthur and Irene Milby's home. In 1963, the church acquired its Cliff Drive property and later established the Cliff Drive Christian Counseling Center in 1994.
Light & Life Christian Fellowship
editFounded in 1954 as Garden Grove Free Methodist Church, this congregation has been notable for its multi-ethnic ministry approach and has planted over 15 churches globally, including locations in Ethiopia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Mexico.
Organization
editStructure
editThe conference operates under the oversight of a Conference Superintendent and is governed by a Board of Administration. Field Superintendents provide regional supervision and support to local churches throughout Southern California.
Churches and Ministries
editAs of 2024, the conference includes approximately 40 churches and ministry points across Southern California, offering services in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Arabic, Cantonese, and Korean.
Global Partnerships
editFMCSC maintains international partnerships through:
- International Child Care Ministries
- Eden: People + Planet
- Church planting initiatives in Ethiopia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Mexico
Theological Position
editAs part of the Free Methodist Church, FMCSC adheres to Wesleyan-Holiness theology, emphasizing: