South Arroyo in Pasadena in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Friendship Baptist Church
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 27, 2025
1. Friendship Baptist Church Marker
Friendship Baptist Church has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
c. 1925
Friendship Baptist Church
City of Pasadena Cultural Heritage Landmark
Architect: Norman Foote Marsh
1925
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 34° 8.615′ N, 118° 9.129′ W. Marker is in Pasadena, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in South Arroyo. It is at the intersection of West Dayton Street and South De Lacey Avenue, on the right when traveling east on West Dayton Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 80 W Dayton St, Pasadena CA 91105, 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Baker Alley (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 107 S. Fair Oaks Ave (about 500 feet away); Yuen Kee Laundry (about 500 feet away); 1909 Seagrave (about 500 feet away); Martin Alley (about 500 feet away); Fraser Alley (about 600 feet away); Original Site of Throop University
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Mills Place (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding Friendship Baptist Church. Excerpt from the National Register nomination:
The Friendship Baptist Church is the first and oldest Black Baptist Church in the city of Pasadena. The structure was built for a congregation of Baptists formed in 1893. The ten-member congregation originally met in a rented building and then a tent until funds were collected for the present building in 1925. In that year, the church commissioned local architect Norman F. Marsh to design the edifice which was finished in the following year.
Architecturally, the church is a good example of the Spanish Colonial architectural style which was especially popular in Southern California during the 1920's.
Also see . . .
1. Friendship Baptist Church. National Register nomination (PDF) and photographs (separate PDF) of the church, which was listed in 1978. (Prepared by Edna M. McNeil; via National
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 27, 2025
2. Friendship Baptist Church Marker
2. Friendship Baptist Church - Virtual Tour (YouTube). Photo slideshow of the historic church in Old Pasadena.(Diane McClain, uploaded July 26, 2013) (Submitted on November 6, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 27, 2025
3. Friendship Baptist Church
Markers are on left side of the church.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 40 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 5, 2025, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
