Reflections, tributes and condolences poured in from around the world to salute the pioneering legacy of Apostle Frederick K.C. Price, founder of the world-renowned Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles. The mega-church builder passed away from complications from COVID-19 at the age of 89. His son and CCC pastor, the Rev. Frederick K. Price, Jr., made the announcement on Feb. 12, on Instagram.
In honor of Apostle Price’s legacy, a closed casket viewing, open to the public, is slated for Thursday, March 4, and Friday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., on both days at Crenshaw Christian Center, 7901 S. Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles. On Saturday, March 6, a private family service will be live streamed at 11 a.m., followed by a private family burial. The service may be viewed on EIF YouTube Channel, EIF Facebook Page, EIF website-watch now, and EIF on demand. Amid COVID-19 realities, the family is acutely aware and deeply concerned for the safety of others, said a spokesperson. Strict adherence to all safety protocols is appreciated and will be enforced.
Not only was the Los Angeles faith community well acquainted with Price, but also his ministry spread internationally, first through through television, radio and books, and in the 21st century, through various social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube Live, AppleTV, ROKU and Amazon FireTV. In fact, his Ever Increasing Faith television (EIF) program is one of the longest, continuously running, Christian teaching programs on TV. EIF debuted in 1978 on KTTV in L.A. and currently broadcasts around the world.
But, it was via CCC, which Price and his wife, Dr. Betty Price, founded 48 years ago, that the revered pastor established the framework that many mega-ministries imitated for years to come. When the church was established in 1973, the 300-member congregation worshipped at 9550 South Crenshaw Boulevard in Inglewood. In less than 10 years, the membership exploded with thousands seeking to join the fellowship.
In 1981, CCC purchased the former Pepperdine University campus on South Vermont Avenue in Los Angeles and five years later, began construction of the massive, 10,000-seat Faith Dome, one of the largest sanctuaries in the world. Located in South Los Angeles, the church sits on 32 beautifully landscaped acres in the city’s Vermont Knolls district.
Today, the internationally renowned ministry includes a pre-school, elementary, middle and high school; 16 Helps Ministries auxiliaries, the Apostle Frederick Price Ministry Training Institute and CCC New York. He also reached millions through live streaming and social media.
In addition to his wife and son, Apostle Price is survived by his daughters, Angela Evans, Cheryl Price and Stephanie Buchanan; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Naturally, his defining ministry evoked strong memories and warm expressions of appreciation from people around the world. The following are some of the comments received from his wife and children and fellow clergy.
Dr. Betty Price – “The expressions of love from our church members, clergy across the city, public officials, online and television viewers and the residents of Los Angeles have truly been comforting and a blessing to myself, my children and my grandchildren. Apostle loved his city and we worked hard to make an impact because we wanted to represent God to the community.”
Angela Evans – “He was the best husband, father and grandfather, a true family man, and family was one of the hallmarks of his ministry and his life. That’s why his children are so devastated. He was everything.”
Cheryl Price – “No one can comprehend what you meant to our family. You impacted so many lives and blessed so many people. You are my hero! You are legendary! You will be in my heart always.”
Stephanie Buchanan – “Dad was the epitome of a great man, husband, father, grandfather, pastor. I admire him so much for starting a ministry that birthed a community of worshippers that spans my entire life. I honor him, miss him, love him. My heart broke Friday night and a piece of it went with him.”
Pastor Fred Price, Jr. – “Dad, I will honor and continue your legacy to the best of my ability. I salute you, man of God – an elder statesman, a man of men, a man emeritus. I love you immensely, but now you can rest easy, king. Until we meet again.”
Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., presiding prelate, Church of God in Christ, Inc. and pastor of West Angeles COGIC – “Lady Mae and I were so saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend and brother, Apostle Frederick K.C. Price. We have shared a bonding friendship for over 40 years, experiencing the magnificent power of God in our lives.
“We often shared times of fellowship on our respective campuses with our congregations having joint services together. There was no envy or jealousy, but a mutual celebration of what God was doing in our ministries.
“Apostle Price regularly spoke the words, “We walk by faith, not by sight.” These were more than just words, but a declaration of the unlimited blessings God would provide to those who put their trust in Him.
“As a ‘General’ in the faith, Apostle Price has been promoted from this life to his eternal reward. The Word of God tells us in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, ‘We do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who are asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.’
“We have the blessed hope of faith the Apostle Price taught about for over 50 years. It is by faith we will see Apostle Price again and rejoice in the presence of God forever more.” –
Apostle Beverly “Bam” Crawford, founder and pastor of Bible Enrichment Fellowship International Church – “My reflection of Apostle Frederick K.C. Price…over the last 47 years, I observed a man driven and passionate about teaching the Word of God, particularly in the Black church. Having had been involved in other denominations, he experienced preaching and tradition, but not a demonstration of power.
“He sought the Lord and was hungry for answers. He discovered the missing ingredient and was eventually filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Crenshaw Christian Center was birthed and the signs and wonders began to happen; healings and deliverance through the teaching of God’s Word.
“Apostle Price was relentless in his pursuit of excellence; desiring that African Americans grow and prosper through truth. His teaching style was confrontational. It made you think.
“He was not about exploiting our emotions, but hit hard because he was seeing good people dying and waiting to go to Heaven for the ‘pie in the sky.’ He wanted to see Christians’ progress and he did. But not without the high price of character assassination, criticism and being misunderstood.
“He did not create controversy. He simply preached Jesus Christ in a way that most of us had never heard. Eventually, people were hearing and seeing him around the world. As a pastor, he taught and lived before us the importance of the family, integrity, holiness and fidelity. Some people simply saw the exterior of the man, but those of us who knew him saw his desire for Black people to do better and love ourselves.
“Dr. Price’s teaching of “Race, Religion and Racism” from 20 years ago is more relevant to us today than ever. He has left a powerful legacy – a General of generals, a servant of The King and scandal free.
“His wife, Dr. Betty Price, and his children and even grandchildren, have stood by him and with him to build this great work which shall go on for generations to come.”
Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer, founder and pastor of Faithful Central Bible Church – “In the spirit realm, the city of Inglewood is enjoying worldwide acclaim as the future host of Super Bowl and home of the world’s finest state of the art sports stadium – indirectly – because of Apostle Fred Price.
“The So-Fi Stadium would not exist if the former Great Western Forum had been torn down – which was its fate. It was not torn down because Faithful Central Bible Church bought it and maintained it from 2000 to 2012. We would not have bought it without the vision of ‘great faith’ inspired by Dr. Fred Price.
“God used Dr. Price to stretch my faith! Dr. Price, an apostle of faith, turned the ecclesiastical world upside down when he and Crenshaw Christian Center built the Faith Dome. It was his faith, in the face of obstacles, that inspired me to purchase the Great Western Forum.
“He modeled and lived the word of faith and stretched the vision of multitudes. He and the great woman who walked by his side, Lady Betty Price, were gleaming examples of faithful love and faith in a faithful God.
“His vision was bigger than a building. His theology was bigger than a denomination. His faith was bigger than a season. He was a gift to Los Angeles. He was a gift to the Body of Christ.
“He was the gift of a friend to many of us. He was a gift to the world!”
Pastor Craig E. Brown, Praise Tabernacle Worship Center – Apostle Price was a great man of God – a great inspiration, especially here in the Los Angeles area. He will be sorely missed and we will continue to uplift his wife, his children, and the CCC family in prayer.
