A South Los Angeles church that was given a historic status has become the source of some stress for neighbors nearby since the abandoned structure has become a site for squatters and illegal dumping.
What was once the Crouch Memorial Church of God and Christ is now a skeleton building of the former place of worship after it was involved in two fires, one in 2013 and the second in 2024. Since then, the building has sustained major damage that led to its abandonment.
“Ever since the fire, there has been like a, just a burnt spot on our street,” said Ray Pickens, who owns several properties in the community. “Not only a burnt spot on our street, it’s been like a burnt spot in our community.”…