Ocean Park in Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

A Spiritual Home

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 27, 2025

1. A Spiritual Home Marker

Inscription. Phillips Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church was the first African American religious institution in Santa Monica. Originally, it was a one-room schoolhouse in Ocean Park dating to the 1890s. In 1908 the Santa Monica School Board sold the building to CME Bishop Charles H. Phillips after it was damaged by fire. In October of that year, Bishop Phillips moved the building to 4th and Bay Streets in Ocean Park where it was rebuilt as the church that now bears his name.

The new Phillips Chapel opened in 1909. At the time, it was the only church in Santa Monica owned by African Americans. Under the leadership of its first pastor, the Reverend James A. Stout, the church thrived as the community's spiritual center.

(Sidebar)
Phillips Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (right) An early event at Phillips Chapel was this Sunday School convention in 1909. The new church attracted many African Americans to South Santa Monica. More than 100 people attended its dedication on October 31 of that year.

Phillips Chapel 1908/1956 Since its official opening in 1909 at 2001 4th Street, Phillips Chapel has been a center of spiritual awareness and community building. The church you see today was renovated in 1949, as pictured in this 1956 photograph (above).

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captions/credits:
• Top left: Santa Monica History Museum, Virginia Tegner Spurgin Collection
• Bottom left: Santa Monica History Museum, Outlook Collection
• Right: Bishop Charles H. Phillips (center right) and the Reverend James A. Stout (surrounded by children at left) at Phillips Chapel, 1909. Santa Monica Public Library Image Archives

Erected by City of Santa Monica. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is October 31, 1909.

Location. 34° 0.585′ N, 118° 29.26′ W. Marker is in Santa Monica, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Ocean Park. It is at the intersection of 4th Street and Pico Boulevard, on the right when traveling south on 4th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Santa Monica CA 90405, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: California Dreaming? / Belmar History+Art Historical Locations (a few steps from this marker); Learning in Black and White (within shouting distance of this marker); The Doctor is In (within shouting distance of this marker); A Neighborhood Erased (within shouting distance of this marker); Land of Our Own

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 27, 2025

2. A Spiritual Home Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Putting Down Roots (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Resurrection in Four Stanzas (about 300 feet away); Black Lives in Ocean Park (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Monica.

More about this marker. It is part of Belmar History + Art, a commemoration and celebration of the African American neighborhoods of South Santa Monica and their contributions to the city's history and cultural heritage. Belmar History + Art includes sculptural artwork, an educational program, website, and interpretive signage (including this one) installed around the perimeter of Belmont Park. Note: The project web address has been changed to www.santamonica.gov/belmar-history-art

Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 47 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.