Standing as an enduring guardian of faith in the Watts community, Grant AME Church, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Timothy O. Coston, Jr.,sits on the corner of Central and 105th Streets welcoming all with a call to worship.
“Since the 50s, this building has been a beacon of faith to the community. Built by Bishop Henry Wendell Murph, who interestingly signed my license to preach, it’s become an institution within itself,” said Rev. Dr. Coston.
Established in 1906, after Bishop Abraham Grant, Grant AME Church has gone through leadership, along with location changes before opening its doors in Watts. Currently under the Rev. Dr. Coston, the church continues to expand its outreach, spreading its spiritual services to the surrounding area including providing a health clinic and several educational programs.
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The “Watts to Water” program introduces inner city families to marine environments such as the beach, rivers, and the Los Angeles Harbors. This program aims to increase awareness of Marine careers and introduce the youth to the wonders of marine biology that are a short bus ride away from them. According to the Rev. Dr. Coston, “This [Watts to Water] program helps bridge the gap between urban living and the natural world, giving our youth a broader perspective on their environment.”
The church also has a partnership with National University which provides a health clinic at the church. Facilitating access to medical care, Grant AME provides essential healthcare to families that might face financial difficulties or barriers to transportation to existing medical facilities. “By bringing health services right to our doorstep,” says the Rev. Dr. Coston, “we’re not just preaching good health; we’re practicing it, ensuring our community’s well-being.”
Under the Rev. Dr. Coston’s leadership, the church plans on developing affordable housing options within the church’s neighborhood, providing stable, affordable housing for those in need. Additional plans include offering support services for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The Rev. Dr. Coston adds, “Our Alzheimer’s programs are about bringing light to our community members navigating the challenges of this disease, offering support and understanding in times of need.”
The front facade of the church contains large glass windows that arc high, framing the sky. The peak of the arc points towards the heavens, framing the open and inviting future of Watts to all passersby. Located at 10435 South Central Avenue, the church welcomes the community to enter its sanctuary and worship with its members.
The Rev. Dr. Coston extends his personal invitation to come visit the church this Sunday morning stating, “Come and see for yourself the work we’re doing. We’re more than a church; we’re a community.”
For more information on Grant AME Church, visit https://grantamechurch.org/.
