The Genungs Arrive

In October of 1942 a well used Ford coupe came rattling down East 20th Street, bringing Dan Genung, fresh out of divinity school in Chicago, and his wife, Frances to Los Angeles. Little did they dream that the tiny seed of faith they had come to plant in this community would some day flower into the All Peoples Christian Center that serves south central Los Angeles today.

Their primary goal was to establish a church, but that did not come until four years later when the original "house of prayer for all peoples" was chartered in May of 1946.

Church and Center Separate

Until 1964, the church and center had worked as a single entity with monetary suppor from the church’s headquarters in Indianapolis, as one of the seven mission centers in the United States sponsored by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The separation of the church and center allowed both groups to pursue their separate but united goals. It also took a huge workload off the shoulders of Kei Kokubun, who was both administrator and pastor. Tom Norwood became the first director of All Peoples Christian Center. Although each functioned with its own staff, the sharing of common facilities continues to bond programs in a unique fashion.

As the community changed so did the responsibilities of the center. During World War II, with the removal of persons of Japanese ancestry to various Detention Centers, the once multi-racial neighborhood became predominantly black. Its residents provided leadership and support and participation in the center and church programs. Then within the last decade or more, All Peoples found itself in another phase of the neighborhood change. Latino families and businesses now are the predominate ethnic group. Language difficulties have also added a new dimension to the growing challenges of serving a multi-lingual community. The Center has accepted this challenge with 60% bilingual staff.

First New Building

During the 12 year period that Tom Norwood was director, three constant adversaries continued to plague the nation as well as the All Peoples neighborhood. In an effort to stem the tide of vandalism, separatism and despair, Norwood spearheaded a vigorous campaign to replace the old building with a modern multi-purpose facility.

Fundraising began in 1975 under the leadership of Rev. Denton Roberts, who had replaced Kei Kokubun, and the impossible dream became a reality in October 1982. Thurston "Cal" Carlock, church member and contractor, assembled a mass of volunteers and workers who constructed an edifice which would take us into the next decade.

United Way Funding

Through the tireless efforts of the present director, Saundra Bryant, and past RSVP director, Cheryl Jones, the Center is now a member agency of United Way. The funds have made it possible to expand the center’s program and services. As a member of the United Way family the Center has benefited from technical assistance, networking opportunities and national publicity.

Building Again

Because of the burgeoning variety of services now required to serve the community, the realization that additional space was needed began to grow. On the morning of October 1, 1987, the shaking of a major earthquake forged cracks, loosened bricks and weakened the foundation of the remaining old building which now housed the day care program. The earthquake sent a clear message that an additional new building must be built soon.

Local businessman and Board member, Sam Makahanian, responded to the emergency. Having grown up in the community and participated in the All Peoples programs, Sam never forgot what the Center meant to him. He became the catalyst in laying the groundwork to proceed with the creation of this new building.

The Board of Directors appointed a campaign cabinet: Vane Martin, T.J. Bottoms, William "Bill" Fisher and Saundra Bryant. At the same time, much of the work of clearing the way with the city fathers, getting permits, securing funding and being a cheerleader for staff has been accomplished by Saundra Bryant and Rick Land of Lane Company, Inc.

So fifty years later, we start anew. The old buildings are all gone and we are ready to serve another 50 years or more. Visit us on East 20th Street and you will find children and youth of all ages, adults and seniors, all representing the various races realizing the dream which started 60 years ago as "All Peoples Christian Center."