Church of Divine Guidance

The Church of Divine Guidance was founded in October 1953 in an empty theater on West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, California by Reverend Clayton Donovan Russell. Led and spurred on by their dynamic leader this small band of faithful, hopeful, determined, and loving worshippers quietly went out to execute “The Great Commission”. They were also looking for a location that would become their permanent home. In the words of Reverend Russell, "God is guiding us in a search for the right place in which to accomplish the work that The Lord has put in my mind to do." He said, "When we find the right place we will know it. Until HE touches us and tells us, we will go on searching." The Lord led them to a building that had housed a Jewish Synagogue. When Reverend and his search committee went to the location at 1518 South Gramercy Place, the doors were locked and there was nobody around to unlock and open the doors. With a forceful hard push on the doors, they sprang open "like the wings of an eagle." It seemed as if the very doors, themselves, were glad that the group had come by, and with open arms they were inviting the group to enter. Once inside the dark quiet "House of Prayer," Reverend Russell said, he could still hear the whispering of some small voice speaking, "This is it. The search for a Permanent House of Worship is ended.“ The Church of Divine Guidance continues to operate from that former Jewish Synagogue. More than 60 years have past many new members have been added, some making their confession of faith here; others came from churches of various denominations by Christian experience; and others came as Associate Members seeking to share the welcome, friendly atmosphere of having a-home-away from home; others came to share in the the struggle for civil rights; social, political, and judicial justice for colored people! And for Negro people! And for Black American citizens. No matter what "a generation" may choose to refer to these people as, the issues were the same.

OUR VISION To deliver/preach and live God’s Word with excellence so as to draw the lost (all) to the knowledge and acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and to nurture, strengthen and undergird the saved within the Body of Christ

OUR MISSION We have a strong commitment to excellence in our Target Community: such as children, families, and seniors. The Church of Divine Guidance, along with the CDR Foundation, endeavors to optimize the success of this target population in: Spiritual Development, Educational Enrichment, Employment Development, Financial Management, as well as Home Ownership, Basic Life Skills, and Improved Standards of Living.

OUR MISSION OBJECTIVES

•Evangelism and Outreach

•Education and Spiritual Edification

•Economic Development

•Financial Stability

•A Tithing Church

MINISTRIES

•Youth

•Helps

◦Sick and Shut-in

•Music ◦Drama and Dance

•Men’s

•Facilities

•Jewels

•Ushers and Sextons

•Prayer

•Deacon and Deaconess