United University Church is a union congregation resulting from a 1982 merger of the University United Methodist Church and the Old First Presbyterian Church of Los Angeles. These two congregations shared their commitment to ministries of justice and had long histories of lifting up the humanity of the marginalized and protecting the dignity of the oppressed. They were not afraid to be the first in stepping up to protect the vulnerable, break color and gender barriers, and openly and enthusiastically welcome LGBTQI+ community.  In 2014, facing insurmountable maintenance expenses and significant financial difficulties, the painful decision to sell the building to USC was made. In two purchases in 2017 and 2018, UUC acquired all the commercially zoned properties on the east side of Union Ave. between 22nd St. and 23rd St.