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HOLLYWOOD INDEPENDENT CHURCH
LIVING WITH VISION AND PURPOSE
Hollywood Independent Church is a multi-cultural church comprised of people of various ethnic backgrounds. Although the
church over the years has remained small in numbers, its ministry continues to be strong in the many Christian activities
and outreaches. The congregation has always given mightily, both in time and financial support to those in need.
The
Christian beginnings of this fellowship goes back to 1912 when the first "gathered" group was invited to meet in the Trinity
Methodist Church located at Hollywood and Vine. They called themselves the Hollywood Japanese Y.M.C.A. In 1914 some of them
wanted a church of their own, independent of denomination and financial ties. There were eight "Charter Members." They included:
Mr. Horikoshi, Mr. E. Kagiwada, Mr. Kosugi, Mr. C. Otsubo, Mr. and Mrs. Mambow, Mr. Suzuki and Mr. M. Tsunokai, Sr. They
were Issei (Born in Japan, first generation Americans). Their first home of worship was located at 1540 Carter Court (Ivar
and Selma in Hollywood). The members sent to Japan to obtain a minister. They were successful in obtaining the services
of a minister, Rev. Tsukidate and so the church was formally established on November 12, 1916 under the name "Hollywood Japanese
Independent Church." Most of these charter members remained active for several decades and two of them were still active
in their ministries at the church well into the 1970s.
In 1920 the Isseis were anxious for more adequate facilities
for the future generation and had a serious meeting at the home of one of the charter members. In 1930, the present property,
located on the northeast corner of Lexington and Westmoreland, was purchased for $3,000 by a membership of twenty-five
members. With the full depression upon them, times were most difficult, but many members sacrificed greatly in order that
the church would survive.
The ground breaking for the present church building came in 1939; and it was dedicated
in 1940. The structure cost $10,000. It was the Issei's courage, perseverance and long enduring personal sacrifice that
has led the church to be what it is today.
TURNING POINT
The evacuation and internment of Japanese and Japanese
Americans during WWII led to a very devastating four years for the church and its members. In 1940 all Japanese and Japanese-Americans
from the West Coast were sent to relocation camps and interned for several years.
The church was rocked by the devastating
evacuation which broke the continuity of the church during those years. In this dark and helpless time came out-stretched
hands of help from the Mount Hollywood Congregational Church, a church located a few blocks away. Under the direction of
minister and shepherd, Dr. Allan Hunter, the congregation of Mt. Hollywood Church maintained the church property during the
time that the Japanese members were away and interned and personally helped many of the members. We will be forever gratefully
to the members of the Mt. Hollywood Church and have retained a close relationship with that church. To this day the two congregations
celebrate together many occasions, including joint services during the season of Lent.
In 1945 the Japanese slowly
returned to their homeland on the West Coast. Six families lived in the church building until such time they could re-enter
their own homes or find suitable housing.
As more members of the congregation returned, the church began the tradition
of employing two ministers, one for the Issei members and a one part-time minister for the Neisei (second generation Japanese
who were born in the U.S.A.) members.
It was during the next few years that the church became the Hollywood Independent
Church, dropping the "Japanese" from the official name. During this time the church was very strong and vibrant, with an
average of 40 young people present at the Tuesday night fellowships.
Thanks to Dr. Jesse Perrin, superintendent of the
Congregational Conference, this church was
guided to its full membership in the Southern California and Southwest Congregational
Conference in November of 1954.
In 1961 the Congregational Conference became the United Church of Christ, and the
congregation voted for official entrance into that body. In 1957, the lot on the southeast corner of Lexington and Westmoreland
was purchased by the church in order to build the Christian Education building which was dedicated in 1965. In 1976 an extensive
remodeling project was undertaken to remodel the Sanctuary which was dedicated in that same year.
REFORMATION
In
the years 1999 and 2000, the Church took on a reformation effort. With the attrition due to the aging of the members, the
congregation struggled with their vision of the future of the church. With fewer members, it was increasingly difficult for
the congregation to continue to undertake the same projects that had always been completed.
Under the guidance of
the Interim Minister, Rev. Anne Cohen, the church leaders took on a project to reassess the priorities of the church. During
this time of reflection the church leaders reworked the Constitution and strengthened the official mission of the church
as follows:
"The fellowship of Hollywood Independent Church, United Church of Christ, is dedicated to being spiritual,
uniting and caring."
The most exciting development of this reformation was the beginning in 2000 of a six month sexuality
study which would culminate in our 2001 congregational vote which affirmed the following statement:
"The Apostle Paul
said that, as Christians, we are many members but we are one body in Christ (Romans 12:4) and "Jesus calls us to love our
neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) without being judgmental (Matthew 7:1-2), nor disparaging of others." (Luke 18:9-14).
Hollywood
Independent Church-UCC, embraces all people's humanity, regardless of ethnic origin, nationality, religion, age, personal
ability, gender or sexual orientation. We are an inclusive community dedicated to nurturing the child in each of us with
the knowledge, enjoyment and self-confidence that we are as God made us.
Understanding that there may be differences
among us, the members of HIC make a commitment to welcome diversity with respect, compassion and understanding for all people.
This
affirmation, to be an Open and Affirming Congregation, focused the church into a new and
exciting mission, working with
the API/PFLAG (Parents, Friends, of Lesbians and Gays) to promote healing and show support for the gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender people within the community.
The church became Open and Affirming, not just in word but in deed.
In 2002 and 2003 church members marched in the Gay Pride Day Parade in West Hollywood and were encouraged by the appreciation
shown to them by those at the parade. The church has always had a policy of hospitality to all, but the official adoption
of our affirmation reaffirmed the United Church of Christ's biblical and theological commitment to hospitality and tolerance.
The adoption of this affirmation simply made official the inclusive climate and spirit of the congregation and brought a focus
to a ministry so needed in the community.
UNDERLYING CONTINUITY
The church has always had a congregation that
was extremely caring and nurturing. Historically, the congregation has always given a tremendous amount of support to the
conference missions, including Neighbors in Need, Our Church's Wider Mission, Veterans of the Cross, etc.
Over the
years the church's accomplishments in outreach and support were many and consequential, including (but not limited to) a neighborhood
food pantry that fed hundreds of neighbors during the 1970-1980 period, offering sanctuary to a nesting church, a financial
and emotional commitment to send a member to Seminary, long time support of Peppermint Ridge (a facility for mentally challenged
adults) and the local Ronald McDonald house, and rummage sales to help the community members. In 2000, a passion in remembering
sick children began with the death of one of the children, Jessica. Jessica lost her battle to cancer in June of 2000. During
her illness she always cared for others and touched many lives. It was her wish that the church continue her legacy in helping
sick children. Since that time, the church has developed a passion for this ministry and has adopted an oncology pediatric
patient from UCI-University Children's Hospital and their families (one family per year). Donations are given of money and
gifts and the church family wraps the gifts and delivers them to the needy family of the sick child. The church community
is so involved in this annual project and prays together for the family. It is so difficult for any family to have a child
who is ill with a life threatening illness, but it is devastating for that family to also have financial needs and worries.
It is very rewarding for the congregation to be able to help a family at such a time of need. It has become a tradition and
one of the congregation's favorite annual projects.
The Women's Fellowship of the congregation also spearheaded the
church's response to requests for assistance for children, as they have been made aware of the need. Examples of children
"adopted" by the congregation have included a child burned at home and a teenager in the last stages of cancer. The child
and their family are held in prayer and the children are supported in ways that will lift their spirits. Sick children and
their families at the Ronald McDonald house are also helped by the congregation, as they are remembered by staples that are
collected and by baby blankets that are lovingly crocheted by the ladies in the congregation. Although the congregation is
small in number, their hearts are huge and they pour out blessings to others in great supply and with such awesome compassion
and caring.
OUR VISION
The cover of the 2002 yearbook sums up the journey of the church. "Issei to Nisei
to Multi-Cultural...We are a church in Transition." This is a very appropriate explanation to the vision of the congregation.
The Issei Pioneers always looked to the future and the church continues to follow their example.
As new directions
are taken in the multi-cultural ministry of inclusiveness and hospitality, the contributions and sacrifices of the Issei Pioneers
are never forgotten.
These pioneers left a legacy of compassion, support and hospitality.
The church continues
in that spirit in the current ministries undertaken by the members. The congregation looks forward with optimism and renewed
hope toward the future of this church.
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