Rejoicing is in the air as People’s Independent Church of Christ prepares to celebrate a century of Christian and community service with a series of events this month.
Kicking-off the activities will be Friends and Family Day on Sunday, October 4, at the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services, in the sanctuary at 5858 West Blvd., in Los Angeles, said Bishop Craig A. Worsham, senior pastor.
“We invite the greater Los Angeles community at this powerful worship experience. Our goal is to strengthen families and friends through unity, growth, fellowship and sharing,” said Worsham.
The Centennial Gala will be held on Saturday, October 17, at 6 p.m., at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, 21333 Hawthorne Blvd., in Torrance. The honorees include Ray Carlisle, president of the NID – Housing Counseling Agency; Charisse Bremond Weaver, president/CEO of the Brotherhood Crusade; and the Rev. Charles E. Williams, pastor emeritus of People’s Independent.
“Our celebration concludes with our 100th Anniversary Service on Sunday, October 18 at 4 p.m.,” said the bishop. “Our guests are Pastor Michael J. Fisher of the Greater Zion Church Family and the mass choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of America – L.A. Chapter.”
Also, financial contributions will be presented to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Special Needs Network and Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles.
Forty-seven members of First A.M.E. Church founded People’s Independent on October 3, 1915, with the Reverend N.P. Greggs serving as the first pastor. Over the years, the church has spearheaded various community projects and assisted developing businesses such as the Golden State Life Insurance Co. and the Liberty Building and Loan Company.
Under Pastor Maurice Dawkins, the church constructed a seven-story housing complex on Adams Boulevard and St. Andrews Place in Los Angeles. In the 1950s, the Peoples Independent Federal Credit Union opened and still operates today.
Currently, the church serves as the headquarters for the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) – L.A. Chapter and the Musicians in Action (MIA).
For more information, call the church office at (323) 296-5776.
