The charter congregation purchased the present site in 1908 and began construction of the first building, then known affectionately as the Presbyterian Storm Cellar, now just "The Cellar." In 1909, the first sanctuary superstructure was built, now the gymnasium. During its second decade of existence, the women of the church organized the Women's Home and Missionary Society and supported Margaret Hartsock as the church's first oversees missionary.

 

The Rev. Dr. Stuart MacLennan, called as pastor in 1921, began the legacy of great preaching that is a hallmark of FPCH. During his twenty-year tenure, he inspired the church, established a local radio ministry, and led the campaign t underwrite and build the present sanctuary, the cornerstone being laid in 1923. So vital was worship to the life of the church that the sanctuary was designed to hold 1,800 people, well beyond the 1,000 on the membership role.

 

Dr. MacLennan was instrumental in persuading Henrietta Mears to take the position as Director of Christian Education, where for 35 years, from 1928-1963, Miss Mears established a legacy of Christian education and ministry that was unique in American Christendom. During the 1950s, she ministered through the College Department to many hundreds of men and women, including such future leaders as Louis Evans, Jr.; Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ; Donn Moomaw, and Dale Bruner. Her vision for a Christian camp in the local mountains led to the purchase and subsequent development of Forest Home. She also founded Gospel Light Press, which continues to publish Sunday School materials. “Her vision encompassed the world and God privileged her to see the fruits of her labors.”

 

In 1941, the Rev. Dr. Louis Evans, Sr. was called as pastor. Dr. Evans continued the tradition of strong pulpit ministry and invested in the development of the lay ministry. During Dr. Evans’ tenure, in the period of post-war, burgeoning congregations, the membership of the church grew from 1,400 to 8,900. At the invitation of Dr. Evans, in 1941 Dr. Charles and Mrs. Lucy Hirt became music directors who founded the Cathedral Choir and expanded the ministry of adult and children’s choirs. The Hirts led the choirs to offer music as a spiritual experience, a ministry and witness rather than a performance.

 

The Rev. Dr. Richard Halverson joined the staff during which time he helped develop World Vision and International Christian Leadership. Dr. Halverson was later appointed as the Chaplain to the U.S. Senate. Mr. Jim Ferguson was director of youth activities, a fun-loving, caring minister who had a profound influence for Christ on the young people. In 1950, construction of a special education building for youth began fulfilling a long cherished vision. Youth Ministries began a deputation ministry which sent Christ-empowered collegians to minister to war-devastated Europe as well as to needy areas of our own city. Dr. Evans also oversaw the development of the Deacon’s Cupboard, ministering to the needy in our neighborhood.

 

The Rev. Dr. Raymond Lindquist was installed as pastor in 1953. He was known as a “poet of the pulpit” and served until 1972. “A father to his staff, a shepherd to his flock, a statesman to his church – in simplicity he had one passion – and through him the risen Lord graced us all.” During the 1960s, the Rev. Dr. Don Williams, then pastor of the College Department, initiated a unique coffee house ministry for the young people of Hollywood. Under his guidance the College Department sent out deputation teams to witness and care for the 60’s generation.

 

The Rev. Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie was called as Senior Pastor to FPCH in 1972 in which capacity he served

until 1995. During his tenure, Dr Ogilvie oversaw the development of significant ministries. In 1978, Dr. Ogilvie began Let God Love You, a national television ministry. Later, the Munger Center for Counseling opened, providing professional, Christ-centered services to the community. In 1987, members of FPCH began a new and innovative work in the entertainment community by establishing Actors Co-op, the first and only professional theater company of Christians in the United States that operates under a contract with Actors’ Equity Association, the professional stage actors union. Actors Co-op subsequently established Inter-Mission, Act One: Writing for Hollywood, Hollywood Connect, and the Hollywood Prayer Network. These ministries reach out to the broader entertainment community and provide programs for Hollywood professionals who follow Christ and desire to effect moral change on the popular culture. The Hollywood Urban Project ministry provided a physical presence in the local community with a team of City Dwellers. This mission is continued by DOOR and, although no longer a direct ministry, is still supported by FPCH.  The Lord’s Lighthouse offers physical and spiritual food, social services, children’s services, and health consultations to several hundred guests each Sunday afternoon. In 1995, Dr. Ogilvie accepted an appointment as Chaplain to the U.S. Senate where he served until 2003. He was the second FPCH pastor to be called there. Today, Dr. Ogilvie continues to teach and preach, is Pastor Emeritus at FPCH, and recently was present for the dedication of the new Lloyd John Ogilvie Institute of Preaching at Fuller Seminary.

 

From 1997 to 2005, Dr. Alan Meenan served as senior pastor. He led weekly intensive Bible study called “The Word Is Out.” Under his leadership, the number of services was increased to four including the 8:30 Contemplative Service and CUE, which met across the street at a nearby nightclub. With a relaxed atmosphere and rock praise music, the CUE service appealed to young people and new believers.