OUR STORY


The story of Rose City Church stretches over a 127 years. In 1888, Rev. Ebey, an elder in the Free Methodist Church, and his wife moved from the midwest to southern California. After settling among the orange groves of luxurious Pasadena, Rev. Ebey held a tent revival which birthed the First Free Methodist Church: the very first FMC in Southern California.

Out this church, eighteen societies began. Several years later, in 1891, the General Superintendent, B. T. Roberts, organized the new Southern California Conference under the leadership of Rev. Ebey at the site of the newly built church in Pasadena.

For years, following a strong beginning, the First FMC continued gathering for worship and serving the local community. After selling the second church home to make way for a massive freeway in the mid 60’s, the Free Methodists found a permanent home in a quiet neighborhood east of downtown Pasadena near Pasadena City College and California Technical Institute.

After a long and faithful run, the First Free Methodist church ended their leg of the race in 2008. The church disbanded and the facility was rented out. Shortly thereafter, another FMC in the area managed the property and prepared the church facility for its next phase of life.

Here two stories collide. While the First FMC went through its time of transition, Dan Davidson went through his own. After experiencing great tragedy and taking a year off from ministry to recover, Dan felt the Lord calling him to Pasadena. A vibrant and clear call to the city of Pasadena led him to contact the church managing the facility. He met with the appointed Pastor often for prayer and with the call affirmed by the conference, he moved to Pasadena to re-launch this historic church. With a passion for reconciling ministry, he knew the Lord called him to Pasadena for a specific reason: to redeem the legacy of this historic church.

It is our mission to resurrect this church through gathering for worship, growing in Christ through the Word and at the Table, and going together to expand God’s kingdom. It is our vision to see the kingdom of God expanded by sharing the presence of Christ with our local and global communities. With the Lord’s blessing and the support of others, we hope to fulfill God’s story of redemption as Rose City Church.