Rejoicing filled the air as the members of Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church marked their 118th year of vibrant and tangible Christian service to the Watts community of Los Angeles.
Under the leadership of Pastor Timothy O. Coston, the congregation observed the momentous occasion with a spirited worship service on Sunday, Sept. 15. The theme of the anniversary celebration was “Rooted in the Past, Growing in the Future” based on Colossians 2:6-7.
The Rev. Dr. Barry Settle, pastor of Ward AME Church in Los Angeles, was the guest preacher. His uplifting message was entitled “He’ll Still Fight Your Battles” and the scripture reference was Exodus 14:1-16.
Other worship participants were James Parker, Dexter Moon, Dr. Irene Pinkard, Angela Ross, Jacqueline Thomas, and Janice Hinton. Music was rendered by the Grant Adult Choir and the Ward AME Choir.
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Grant AME members serving on the Anniversary Committee included Cheryl Baylark, Linda Bennet Lakey, Doris Broussard, Jacqueline Cochran, Aren Coston, Martha Davies Maxine Harrison, Audrey Horton, Arvis Jones, Brenda Jones and Wanda Marshall.
Also on the committee were Irene Pinkard, Angela ross, Rae Nell Simmons, Byron Smith, Shirley Smith, Gwen Stokes, Steven Swartz, Sylvia Swatz, Lorraine Hennington, Pamela Williams, and Donna Wilson.
Grant AME has made considerable progress since its founding in 1906. According to historical records, the late Rev. S.E. Edwards started the church in a “tiny one- room house on Manhattan Street (now 113th Street).” The edifice later moved to 114th Street and Compton and by 1923, the membership numbered to several hundred.
“In 1954, under the leadership of the Rev. Henry W. Murph, the church built and moved to the current location of 10435 South Central Ave. During the Watts Uprising in 1965, Rev. Murph kept the doors of the church open to people seeking safety from the dangers happening in the streets,” explained a spokesperson.
“This action by Rev. Murph set the tone of Grant as a church who cares for the community and the membership continues reach-out to those in need.”
Under the leadership of Pastor Coston, the church offers programs for all ages including Science Day Camp for youth, the Watts To Water Program, Kirkland Academy for Excellence Summer Day Program, an Alzheimer’s Sunday service, Watts-Willowbrook Music Academy, and a food ministry that distributes free groceries each week.
“With an excellent foundation established since 1906 by continuing Pastors, Officers and Laypersons, Grant continues to strengthen its presence as a change agent for empowerment and redemption in the Watts Community,” the spokesperson added.
