University of Southern California Buys Historic Church Property in Expansion Deal

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Wednesday, November 11, 2015

The University of Southern California will be purchasing a church property that dates back to the 1930s as part of the public academic institution's ongoing expansion efforts.

USC is in negotiations to finalize the purchase of the campus of United University Church, a Los Angeles-based church jointly operated by a United Methodist congregation and a Presbyterian congregation.

Pastor Frank Wulf of United Church told The Christian Post that he could not comment on the pending transaction, but direct CP to an earlier interview he gave to The Los Angeles Times.

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"We've been thinking about our future and what we finally decided is, we wanted to be near campus but we didn't need to be on campus anymore," explained Wulf to the Times.

Wulf did not provide many details to the Times, but did acknowledge that "there was definitely a business aspect to the sale."

Situated on a major part of USC's main campus, United University Church has long served as a space for campus social events, including affairs sponsored by USC's Office of Religious Life.

United Church describes itself as "an inclusive, progressive campus" that is connected to LGBT groups Reconciling Ministries Network and More Light Presbyterians.

"We're 'open' because, while we are rooted in the Christian tradition, we welcome people from all different backgrounds, with different lifestyles, beliefs and passions," reads an entry on the church website.

"We also push ourselves to be open-minded in all that we do. We explore our faith through conversation, spiritual practices, community service and scriptural study."

While USC says it plans to preserve the church building, Wulf explained that they will likely remain at the site for a few years after the purchase, the specific future of the property is unknown.

"It's unclear what the university would do with the building once the deal becomes final, but USC has recently been trying to find additional space," reported the LA Times.

"University programs, including media and public relations, moved from the main campus to buildings near Exposition Avenue on the east side of the Harbor Freeway."

The University of Southern California did not return comment to The Christian Post by press time.