Aiming to preserve a historical landmark, Pastor Michael J.T. Fisher and his father, Pastor Emeritus W. Jerome Fisher of Greater Zion Church Family, are negotiating the purchase of Double Rock Baptist Church in Compton.
Their purpose, said Pastor Fisher, is to maintain the legacy of the founding pastor, the late Dr. Joseph Holmes.
“My father, who pastored the first African American church in Compton, was really good friends with Dr. Holmes and my father wants to preserve their work,” he said.
“Double Rock stood at 1900 West Alondra Avenue for over 30 years because of Dr. Holmes being obedient to God. He poured in his blood, sweat and tears to build this edifice for our generation and I just can’t see losing that inheritance,” Pastor Fisher declared.
“We’re looking at how we will be able to honor him even more so after we move in,” he noted, adding that the larger building would accommodate Greater Zion’s congregation of nearly 5,000 members.
Pastor Fisher expects the purchase to be completed within the next 30 days. Greater Zion will keep its existing building and hope to use it for ministries aimed at the Latino community.
“We want to help the next generation of pastors as well as bridge the gap between black and brown people. But, it will still be part of Greater Zion Church Family,” he said.
