We celebrated 170 years of ministry serving Downey!

On September 8, 2024, we celebrated our 170th year of ministry in Downey. This joyous celebration included local politicians, former pastors, and past and present church members who gathered to honor the 170 year story of Downey UMC. The worship service featured presentations of declarations from Downey Mayor Mario Trujillo, Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, and representatives of Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Senator Bob Archuleta, and Congressman Robert Garcia.

In his sermon, Pastor Brad Biggerstaff reflected on the church’s history, and he connected this history to Proverbs 22:9 which says, “Those who are generous are blessed.” He added that Downey UMC would not exist today without the generous hearts of church members throughout the church’s 170 years that have built schools, started boy scout troops, helped Cuban refugees, loved preschool students, and so much more. Ultimately, Pastor Brad shared the church’s plans to continue their history of generosity by announcing the church’s intent to reimagine the use for the church’s nearly 2-acre property in downtown Downey to have a multi-functional campus that can serve the emerging needs of Downey. The church intends to repurpose its campus property to include around 100 units of affordable housing, while continuing to provide ministry to its congregation, support the preschool, and have onsite parking for all those using its campus. This announcement came from many months of conversations amongst church members about the church’s future. Downey UMC desires to live like Jesus and have generous hearts as we look to address a need and continue to serve the Downey community for another 170 years.