Founder’s Church, A Center for Spiritual Living, is beginning a long overdue cleaning, repair and update of Founder’s iconic circular structure on 6th street and Berendo.
“In the new challenge for churches, Founder’s is doing something about it. We have moved into the activity of community engagement and are renovating its historic building designed by the renowned African-American architect, Paul R. Williams,” said the Rev. Dr. Arthur Chang, Founder’s senior minister.
The classic mid-century modern facility, named in honor of the founder of Religious Science, Ernest Holmes, held its first service on January 3, 1960. Dr. Holmes wanted a round building to represent the all-embracing nature of the philosophy of Religious Science known as the Science of Mind.
Dr. Chang said, “The spiritual philosophy of the Science of Mind teaches people to live positively, creatively and successfully in the world.”
Founder’s serves the community in a variety of ways. An after-school program for 6-to-8 year olds is offered every Monday and Wednesday afternoon. The third annual Health Fair and Block Party will be held in the spring of 2017. Founder’s also hosts CPR classes conducted by the Red Cross every Monday morning. Many more programs are on their way, said Chang who added, “All people are invited to be a part of our vision to lift up our community.”
Dr. Joe Doty, president of Founder’s Board of Trustees, said “We are excited to showcase this facility that holds church services on the Science of Mind in both English and Spanish every Sunday. The building, with its 1,483 seat auditorium and 400 seat lower chapel, is also available for rental and is frequently used for filming and concerts”
The building impresses even the general contractor doing the renovation work. Mike Harvey of St. Elmo’s Fire, shared, “It is a gift to work on a building like this that is a work of art constructed by craftsmen. Paul Williams was an extremely talented architect who had original ideas for the creation of spaces.”
To learn more, call Ann Doherty, at (213) 388-9733, extension 118. Tours of Founder’s can be arranged by calling Patricia Gentry at (213) 388-9733, extension 101.
