About PICC
Our History: A Legacy of Faith & Action
The Beginning: October 3, 1915The People’s Independent Church of Christ was born from the vision of forty-seven members of the First A.M.E. Church. Led by Brother J.H. Shackelford, George A. Beavers, and F.H. Crumbly, the congregation officially incorporated and called Reverend N.P. Greggs, D.D. to serve as its first shepherd.
Rapid Growth & Early MilestonesUnder Rev. Greggs’ leadership, the church experienced explosive growth:
- 1916: The cornerstone was laid for the first sanctuary at Eighteenth and Paloma Streets.
- 1917: A 1,000-seat edifice was dedicated.
- The Boom: In just two years, membership soared from 47 to over 500, eventually surpassing 4,000. Worshippers often filled the sanctuary, sidewalks, and streets to hear the Gospel.
A Community PowerhousePeople’s Independent became a pillar of Los Angeles through groundbreaking civic and economic initiatives:
- Economic Empowerment: Partnered with Golden State Life Insurance and Liberty Building and Loan; established the People’s Independent Church Federal Credit Union.
- Social Services: Founded a free employment office, the Victory Food Markets, and dedicated homes for boys and girls.
- Civil Rights: Organized the historic march on the RTD to secure fair hiring practices for minority bus drivers.
- Housing: Developed Independent Square, a $5 million affordable senior housing complex at West Adams and St. Andrews Place.
- Youth Development: For over 60 years, the Scholarship Guild has provided financial aid and leadership training to community students.
A Hub for Icons & Artistry
Our church has long been a spiritual home for pioneers in politics, law, and the arts, including:
- Leadership: Nobel Laureate Ralph Bunche, Congressman Augustus F. Hawkins, Judge David Williams, and Councilman Gilbert Lindsey.
- Arts & Media: Film director Wendell Franklin, commentator Ken Jones, and world-class musicians like A.C. Bilbrew, Albert McNeil, and Ginger Smock.
A New Era: 1980 – Present
- 1980: The congregation made a historic pilgrimage to our current home at 5856 West Boulevard.
- 1985: Celebrated the triumphant burning of the mortgage.
- Today: Under the energetic leadership of Bishop Craig A. Worsham, we remain a thriving multigenerational congregation. We are committed to social justice, spiritual empowerment, and "making the Word of God become flesh."
What We Believe
Our core values as a Bible-centered, spirit-filled community.
Our Identity
- Bible-Centered: We believe the Scriptures are the inspired, authoritative word of God. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
- Interracial & Non-Denominational: We welcome all backgrounds and joyfully fellowship with all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord.
- A Believer’s Church: We emphasize a personal, transformative faith-encounter with Jesus.
Our Walk
- Spirit-Filled & Directed: We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit and the exercise of spiritual gifts for daily living.
- Consecrated & Holy: We pursue moral character and treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
- Victorious: Through God’s grace, we live in victory over sin.
Our Mission - A Loving Church: We believe love is the essential mark of a Christian. (John 13:34–35)
- Evangelistic: We share the Gospel boldly across the world.
- Expectant: We live in joyful anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ.
Our Stewardship
- Generous Giving: We believe it is more blessed to give than to receive.
- First-Fruits & Tithing: We honor God by giving Him our money, time, and talents first. (Malachi 3:8; Proverbs 3:9)
The Divine in Focus: A Visual Journey of Faith and Belief
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