Rudolph Schindler-designed Bethlehem Baptist Church regains splendor

Bethlehem Baptist Church, built in 1944, is the only church designed by Modernist architect Rudolph M. Schindler and one of the few intact Modernist structures in South L.A., according to the Los Angeles Conservancy.   (Christina House / For The Times)

Dilapidated and graffiti-laden, the structure sat empty for about a decade until Faith-Build International undertook its restoration early this year.  (Christina House / For The Times)

When the Rev. Melvin Ashley Jr. saw the for sale/lease sign on the side of the dilapidated Bethlehem Baptist Church a year ago, he found the answer to his prayers. At the time, he was earnestly searching for a venue where he could house his congregation, Faith-Build International.  (Christina House / For The Times)

What Ashley did not realize was that he had also stumbled on an endangered architectural gem that needed him as much as he needed it.  (Christina House / For The Times)

Faith-Build International paid the initial $17,500 to lease the property with an option to buy, then began restoring it in February.   (Christina House / For The Times)

Low ceilings at the entrance open up to a sun-filled space, thanks to ample windows and clerestory lights.   (Christina House / For The Times)

Latia Grayson, left, holding her 10-month-old son Braylon Paschal, and her twin sister Lakia sing along to music during a Faith-Build International service.  (Christina House / For The Times)

A tattered Bible sits in one of the pews during Sunday service.   (Christina House / For The Times)

Brendan Ravenhill, a Los Angeles-based designer who lived in a Schindler home, designed three spare aluminum lighting fixtures with exposed bulbs that echoed Schindler’s preference for simplicity.  (Christina House / For The Times)

The three-dimensional cross on the structure declares the building’s religious intentions and also creates the central skylight within.  (Christina House / For The Times)

“This is more than a church,” Ashley said. “It’s a beacon of hope for this whole community.”  (Christina House / For The Times)