Overview

This small church set an unfortunate precedent for buildings designated as Historic-Cultural Monuments in Los Angeles. Confirmed as a landmark in 1963, the church had to be razed because its congregation could not find another site to move the building, and they wanted to use same site. A demolition permit was issued in 1964.

Building History

In 1967, the Hyde Park Congregational Church was the only one of fifty-two Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments named since 1962 that had been demolished. A Los Angeles Times article detailing the uncertain fate of Historic-Cultural Monument #11, The Rochester, said of the Hyde Park Church (HCM #16): "Only one--the old Hyde Park Congregational Church in southwest Los Angeles--is no longer standing, although the site is designated as a location of historic-cultural value. The congregation originally requested designation of the old church. Later when it raised funds for a new church, it could find no place to move the old building and the heritage board authorized a permit for its demolition." (See Ray Hebert, "Time Running Out for Landmark Building," Los Angeles Times, 07/02/1867, section E, p. 1 and 7.)

Demolition

Despite being listed as a Los Angeles City Historic-Cultural Monument in 1963, the Hyde Park Congregational Church was demolished in 1964.