OUR HISTORY
New Living Way Church: A Legacy of Faith, Unity, and Revival
The Spark of Faith: It’s a bustling, vibrant time in Chicago at the dawn of the 20th century – a melting pot of dreams and diversity. Here, the Samuelsons, a family of Swedish immigrants, raised their seventh child, Clara, in a home where faith was paramount.
Far away in Los Angeles, Clara's Uncle Louis and Aunt Cenna, also Swedish immigrants, found a spiritual haven in a humble house church on Bonnie Brae. This modest gathering would ignite a flame that spread across the nation, a flame that Clara, though miles away, felt moved by.
“4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
— Luke 15:4-7
The Azuza Street Revival
The Azuza Street Revival
In Los Angeles, Clara's relatives were part of a historic movement. The house church on Bonnie Brae, brimming with faith and fellowship, acquired a property on Azusa Street.
Clara's uncle, a trustee, and her cousin, preparing the site, witnessed something miraculous. In this burgeoning church, barriers crumbled; black, white, Hispanic, male, female—diverse hands built a sanctuary of unity. This was the Azusa Street Revival, a watershed moment in religious history, radiating its message of inclusivity and spiritual awakening.
Clara, in Chicago, hearing echoes of this revival, felt a spiritual hunger that led her to a fateful prayer meeting. On December 31st, her life transformed as she embraced her own Pentecostal experience. This divine encounter beckoned the Samuelson family to Los Angeles, a journey of faith that would intertwine their destiny with the growing Pentecostal movement.
Edward & Clara
Parallel to Clara's story, Edward F. Smith – a cotton-picker from the fields of Texas, and a man of unwavering faith – learned of the Azusa Street Revival.
Drawn irresistibly to this spiritual epicenter, Edward arrived in Los Angeles in 1907. A year later, he experienced his personal Pentecost, a moment that changed his life.
In 1912, Clara and Edward's paths converged in a sacred union, marrying their lives together in unshakable faith.
They both settled in East L.A., raising a family and nurturing a community where Edward's preaching deeply impacted and inspired many lives to find God.
The Legacy of New Living Way Church
As the years rolled on, the spiritual community that Edward and Clara belonged to evolved and grew
In 1939, part of the congregation moved to Monterey Park, later known as Living Waters in Pasadena.
⁵ So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. ⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith.
- Romans 12:5-6
Our Story Continues
A heart of the original community remained in Belvedere, where Edward Smith shepherded a new flock, the Apostolic Temple, later blossoming into New Living Way Church.
This church, born from revivalist roots, was a beacon of hope and community.
In the 1950s, in a monumental effort – involving cutting the building in half and transporting it by road – the congregation relocated the church building to Downey successfully, in resilience and unity.
The baton of leadership passed from Edward to his son Raymond in the 1970s, and later to Pastors Jim Burrage and Abel Tamez, each stewarding the church's evolving journey.
1938-1982: Pastor's Edward & Clara Smith
1982-1986: Pastor's Raymond & Billie Smith
1986-2000: Pastor's Jim & Clara Burrage
2001-2017: Pastor's Abel & Pat Tamez
2018-Present: Pastor's David & Leticia Amperano
From past to present
New Living Way Church has always been a vibrant community. From radio broadcasts in the 1940’s to a longstanding bus ministry, this church extends its reach far beyond its walls.
Our heritage is being a cradle for missionaries, a haven for visiting pastors, and a place of growth for future leaders in Christ. We are also a place of love and connection, where many have even found their life partners.
Whether a Bible study or Sunday service, an event or a morning of prayer – you are invited, where we will continue to embody the spirit of seeking and saving the lost, sharing the Good News of salvation in Christ.
From humble beginnings on Azusa Street to our tent revival roots, all of this has led to the church we are today. This is our story of faith across nearly 100 years, a story that continues to unfold, and we invite you to join us.
