Henry M. Patterson

Architect

Henry M. Patterson, known primarily for his significant church architecture in Southern California, was born into a farming family in Ashland, Ohio on May 5, 1856. Both of his parents were natives of Scotland. By 1880, Henry, still in Ashland, was employed as a carpenter. He was apparently married twice. By his first wife he had a twin son and daughter, Charles S. and Bessie D., born in 1886. His second wife Jeanette, also Ohio-born, married him in 1892.

No information could be found about Mr. Patterson’s educational background. He may never have studied architecture academically but may have apprenticed in an established architectural office as did many early designers. In 1881, he moved to Butte City, Montana where he established his own professional practice.

In 1902 Mr. Patterson relocated with his family to Los Angeles where he would remain the rest of his life. By 1910, both of his children appear to have been working for him, his son as a surveyor and his daughter as a stenographer. At that time the family was living at 1804 South Union Avenue. Mr. Patterson’s office was located in downtown Los Angeles at 356 South Broadway, Room 325. In the 1920s, he relocated to 1151 South Broadway, Room 682. He joined the American Institute of Architects in 1911 and was a member of its Southern California Chapter. In 1921, he was elected treasurer of the newly-formed Allied Architects Association of Los Angeles.

Henry M. Patterson died on October 20, 1928 at the age of 72. He remained active in his profession until the time of his death. His obituary from the Architect & Engineer magazine called him the “dean of Los Angeles architects,” while the Los Angeles Times referred to him as “one of the leading architects of this city.”

Although Mr. Patterson designed a few residences in the early years of his architectural practice, he became best known for his outstanding church architecture commissioned by many different Protestant denominations. Over forty ecclesiastical designs have been attributed to him. Perhaps one of the most outstanding, and said to have been his last commission, was Immanuel Presbyterian Church, an imposing Gothic structure at 3300 Wilshire Blvd.,that was featured in the Architectural Digest magazine. Mr. Patterson’s associate in that job was Charles F. Skilling.

Among the many other projects associated with Henry Patterson:

Third Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles (1905)

Alvah Y. Fessenden residence, 1051 North Avenue 64, Los Angeles (1905)

J. A. Wood and J. A. Lewis residences, Los Angeles (1905)

Westlake Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles (1907)

First Christian Church, Oceanside (1908)

Euclid Heights Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles (1909)

J. B. Merrell residence, Los Angeles (1909)

Hotel, 6th & Flower Streets, Los Angeles (1910)

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Ocean Park (1911)

United Presbyterian Church, Santa Ana (1911)

School building, El Modena School District, Orange County (1912)

First Methodist Church, Glendora (1912)

United Brethren Church, Los Angeles (1913)

Merwin Memorial Mexican Presbyterian Church (1916)

Friends Church, downtown Whittier (1916)

Eagle Rock Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles (1919)

First Presbyterian Church, Monrovia (1920)

Mexican Presbyterian Church, Downey (1921)

Arcadia Community Presbyterian Church, Arcadia (1922)

Japanese Union Church, Los Angeles (1922)

Hollywood Presbyterian Church, Hollywood (1922)

Washington Theater, 845 East Washington Blvd., Pasadena (1924)–in association with Clarence Jay

Vermont Avenue Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles (1924)

First Congregational Church, Pasadena (1924)–in association with Leon Brockway

Quaker Church, Los Angeles (1928)

West Adams Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles (1928)