The congregation of Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church will celebrate their 118th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 3 p.m., in the sanctuary located at 10435 So. Central Ave., in Los Angeles, announced the Rev. Dr. Timothy O. Coston, Jr., senior pastor.
The guest preacher will be the Rev. Dr. Barry Settle, pastor of Ward AME Church in Los Angeles.
“On this special occasion, we encourage the Los Angeles community to participate in this wonderful celebration,” said a spokesperson.
Grant AME was established in 1906. The church was named after the Right Reverend Abraham Grant, the presiding bishop of the Fifth District at that time. The late Rev. S.E. Edwards started the church in a little one- room house on the old Manhattan Street (now 113th Street). The church later moved to 114th Street and Compton.
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In 1923, the membership increased to several hundred. Property was purchased and a new building was erected on 108th Street and Compton Ave. In 1954, under the leadership of 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. 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 the current 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.
