By Carol Madison
I took a surprising Hollywood walking tour in 2022 when America’s National Prayer Committee met there to pray and learn more about the entertainment industry. And no, it was not a tour focused on celebrities. Instead, we explored the spiritual heritage of Hollywood.
Of course, you cannot walk down Hollywood Boulevard without stepping on the sidewalk squares honoring famous entertainers along the Walk of Fame. But we were more interested in learning about the history and influence of the Church in Hollywood.
Our tour guide was a believer who had devoted herself to digging into the history of Hollywood and any spiritual influences. I was surprised to learn that Hollywood was originally established as an alcohol-free Christian community!
You read that right.
Hollywood was founded by Harvey and Daeida Wilcox in 1887 and incorporated in 1903. It was intended to be a place of refuge, rest, and second homes for Christians who wanted to live in like-minded community. In fact, Daeida made it a priority to give land to any church that wanted to establish itself as a ministry in Hollywood.
It was not intended to be a place for movies—and in the early days people were resistant to actors and movie companies invading the community. Eventually, because of the scarcity of water, Hollywood was forced to incorporate into the city of Los Angeles. The vision of a Christian community was soon overwhelmed with the influx of movie companies from out East flocking to this new land of opportunity.
As our tour guide April Clemmer says, “It’s important for local Christians to know there is a foundation of faith in Hollywood and that it’s something that can be reclaimed.”
Hollywood Prayer Network
It’s on this foundation that Karen Covell, director of the Hollywood Prayer Network (HPN), encourages Christians to envision what God might do to restore Hollywood. Her prayer network includes some 10,000 Christians in Hollywood who feel called to work in the industry—and even make a difference. Covell, a producer herself, believes “there is no place in America you can go that is not affected by Hollywood.”
Although Hollywood may be a very dark place spiritually, Covell highlights the hope through prayer and the presence of believers throughout the industry. There are 15 active ministries in Hollywood, along with Bible studies meeting on every movie lot. She is passionate about the influence of Christians.
“Don’t discourage young Christians who want to be here. I will get them connected and make them a part of community. We need Christians in Hollywood to build community,” she says. Covell adds, “Through prayer for Hollywood comes cultural revival.”
Their website even quotes the famous film director and producer Cecil B. Demille: “I have found the greatest power in the world, is the power of prayer.”
Adopt a Professional
The Hollywood Prayer Network provides multiple touchpoints for professionals in the industry to gather with each other for worship, prayer, and encouragement.
But the organization also encourages Christians across the country to become prayer partners with industry professionals. I took Covell up on this offer and applied through their website to be partnered with Stephanie, an aspiring actress. After going through a screening process, the organization matched and introduced us. We communicate through email to receive prayer requests, and I also follow her on Instagram to keep up with her professional endeavors.
There are many professionals awaiting a prayer partner. You can fill out an intercessor application on the website to see if you might be a good fit for someone. You can also sign up to receive the HPN Call Sheet—a resource to guide more general prayers for the people, projects, and issues in Hollywood.
Covell is also the author of Hollywood, Jesus, and You: 365 Days for Growing Your Faith and Praying for Hollywood. Each chapter tells a story about Hollywood and directs you in ways to pray.
The point is to believe Hollywood is redeemable. God can work a miracle through the people He has placed there. He can reclaim a city that was originally founded to honor Him!
CAROL MADISON is editor of Prayer Connect and a member of America’s National Prayer Committee.
