Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church was organized on December 1, 1912 under the name Metropolitan Congregational by Rev. J.D. Pettigrew. At the time and for more than 30 years it was the only predominantly Black Congregational Church west of the Rocky Mountains.

When first organized, the church met in a home on what was then called “The West Side”. From there, it moved to a storefront on Central Avenue and was renamed Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church. As membership grew, the church moved to a church building, which still stands today on 34th Street just east of Central Avenue.

In October 1915, Rev. E.E. Lightner accepted the call and assumed duties of pastor. In October 1927, the church moved to a larger building on the corner of Vernon and Hooper Avenue. Rev. Lightner served as pastor until his death in 1942.

In 1943, Rev. Lloyd Galloway became pastor and served for more than 40 years. During his time at Lincoln the church became part of the United Church of Christ. The current structure was erected in 1964 and the church also acquired additional property.

Since Rev. Galloway’s retirement, pastors who have served are Rev. Monte Norwood, Rev. Charles Mattison and Rev. Dr. Lawrence Foy.

In June 1995, Lincoln called Rev. Gailen Reevers to its pastorate. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Rev. Reevers took Lincoln to new heights.

We added the Family Life Center, renovated the inside of the sanctuary and transformed the parking lot.

Lincoln has partnered with many respected organizations including the Gailen and Cathy Reevers Center for Community Empowerment (GCRC), Assurance Learning Academy, Charles Drew University, and UCLA Health  to offer valuable programs and services to families in South LA.

“To God be the glory!”