Sandra Elaine Crouch, senior pastor of New Christ Memorial Church in the San Fernando Valley, passed away on Sunday, March 17, in Northridge, CA.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and a musical tribute at 7 p.m., at Faithful Central Bible Church, 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., in Inglewood. Her Celebration of Life/Homegoing Service takes place on Wednesday, April 17, at 11 a.m., at Faithful Central Bible Church.
The professional staff of Angelus Funeral Home are the directors in charge.
Sandra and her twin brother, Andraé Edward Crouch, were born on July 1, 1942 in Los Angeles, CA. Their parents, Benjamin and Catherine Crouch, founded Christ Memorial C.O.G.I.C. in the San Fernando Valley.
Related Links:
https://lasentinel.net/black-history-andrae-crouch.html
https://lasentinel.net/rip-andrae-edward-crouch-he-has-gone-to-see-the-king.html
The twins formed The COGICS gospel group while in high school and released their first record, “It Will Never Lose Its Power, ” on Vee Jay Records in 1964. Then, they formed Andrea’ Crouch and the Disciples in 1966. Sandra split her time between the group and launching a parallel career as a session percussionist in Hollywood on recordings by Motown acts such as The Jackson 5, Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin, Gabor Szabo, Mongo Santamaria, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, among others,
In the 1970s, Andraé Crouch and the Disciples were the biggest gospel act in the world with radio hits such a “Take Me Back,” “Soon and Very Soon,” “Through It All,” and “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory).” Sandra and Andraé ‘ co-wrote, “Jesus is the Answer,” a crossover hit on white and Black gospel radio stations. It’s been covered by over 75 artists including Paul Simon and Michael W. Smith. They toured internationally and performed on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” “Saturday Night Live,” and at the White House.
In 1998, Andraé Crouch became pastor of Christ Memorial Church after his brother, Pastor Benjamin Crouch Jr. passed. He named Sandra as co-pastor and renamed the assembly as New Christ Memorial Church to signify a new era. Andraé Crouch passed on January 8, 2015. Upon his death, Sandra Crouch assumed the role of senior pastor and has been active until recently.