Disciples of Christ:  The Spirit of Centenary

Past

     Centenary United Methodist Church was started in June 1896, when 15 Isseis (first generation Japanese immigrants), organized the Methodist Episcopal Mission of Los Angeles in a small cottage at 252 Winston Street.  The church was primarily organized to minister to the new immigrants from Japan and their families.

     The church moved to various locations as membership grew, holding services Sunday mornings followed by Bible Class. Sunday School met in the afternoons and open area services in Little Tokyo were held in the evenings.  In 1925, funds were received from the Centennial Movement of the Methodist Episcopal Church-South to build a permanent church at 35th and Normandie.  Centenary became Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church but continued to be known as the Japanese M.E. Church or to the Japanese speaking community, ME Kyokai. 

     The Issei church was very strong spiritually and supported the fledgling Nisei (second generation) congregation in prayer.  The first Nisei pastor arrived in the 1930’s and remained until the outbreak of World War II.  With the evacuation of the Japanese to the 10 war relocation centers, the church closed its doors.  At the end of the war, the church became a community hostel for camp returnees.  As people returned to the Los Angeles area, Centenary once again became a center for Christian fellowship and spiritual growth.

     As families settled in the area, Centenary became a vibrant center for the young adults and later, a nucleus for Youth Ministry with the organization of the Girls and Boys Clubs.   In 1962, a new chapel and education building were built to accommodate the growing congregation. 

     Over time, as the congregation began to move away from the area, a restlessness to return to our birthplace in Little Tokyo took hold.  After much prayer and conversation, the decision was made to build a new church building in our original neighborhood.  We rejoiced when Maryknoll Catholic Church offered to share their facilities with us during the time of construction.  For 3 years, we worshipped at Maryknoll. We are forever grateful for their gracious offer that allowed the ministries of Centenary to continue during this period of transition.

     In 1988, Centenary United Methodist Church fulfilled its dream to return to its birthplace in Little Tokyo, building a multi-purpose unit at 3rd and Central.  The Sanctuary and Chapel were completed in time for Centenary’s 100th Anniversary. 

     Centenary has been blessed with gifted clergy who cared for and gently nurtured its laity in Christianity.  As teachers and leaders, they challenged the congregation to use their gifts to meet the needs of our church, the community and the world. 

           

Present

     The faith and indomitable spirit of the Issei and Nisei continues in the church today.  A new multi-ethnic generation has assumed the pastoral and laity leadership and will continue Centenary’s mission.  Our mission statement defines our purpose for being.  It is the purpose God has for our congregation.  Our mission statement is in Haiku form to reflect the cultural heritage of Centenary.

 

Disciples of Christ

We seek growth, support, faith, peace

Go out!   Share God’s Love

Future

     Our Vision for the future reflects the deeply held feelings and thoughts that tell what is truly valued by our congregation.  It is our dream – what God is calling us to become in the future.

 

We seek to be a magnet for faith building as

vibrant, enthusiastic, and contagious Christians

 equipped to share and to serve. 

Centenary continues to grow as a

multi-generational, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural Christian family

 working together to live God’s Word.