Pastor Marcus Murchinson

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science Presented With $50 Million Check at Ceremony to Support New Medical Degree Program

Sentinel News ServiceOctober 21, 2021

A special event was held on the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) campus recently to commemorate the recent $50 million allocation from the State of California to the University. The event was highlighted by a check presentation from Watts native Assemblymember Mike Gipson, representative of California’s 64th Assembly District which includes the CDU campus. Dr. David Carlisle, president and CEO of CDU, along with other representatives and students from the university were on hand for the presentation.

Religion

Local Clergy Share Christmas Wishes for Black Community

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorDecember 19, 2019

As the celebration of the birth of Christ nears, the Sentinel surveyed several local clergy for their replies to the question: What are one-to-two Christmas wishes that you would extend to the L.A.-area African American community and why? The following are the responses that we received. Pastor Mary S. Minor, Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church: “During the season of Christmas, Christians recant the night when Jesus was born. There was no room in the inn. He was born homeless. Today, many persons (including children) know firsthand what it means to be homeless. “My wish is that the county and city of

Crenshaw & Around Religion

Tree of Life Expands ‘Church Unusual’ with College Bridge Academy

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorSeptember 22, 2019

A new charter high school is up and running on the campus of Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church. Thanks to a partnership with the nonprofit, Los Angeles Education Corps (LAEC), the church houses the College Bridge Academy where more than 120 students attend academic and vocational classes and eventually graduate with their high school diploma. The collaboration is part of Pastor Marcus Murchinson’s and the congregation’s philosophy of doing “church unusual” in that they seek opportunities to offer services and programs that benefit the local community. Those activities include a youth feeding program, substance abuse treatment, a nurse managed

Crenshaw & Around Religion

Tree of Life Church Practices Innovative Ministry in Watts

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorJuly 24, 2019

Ministry takes different shapes at Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Pastor Marcus Murchinson, the Watts congregation goes beyond the church walls to provide services to benefit the local community. Through partnerships with area nonprofits combined with grant funding, the church uses its facilities to offer a youth feeding program, substance abuse treatment, a nurse managed clinic, transitional housing, and reentry classes for formerly incarcerated individuals. Professional staff manages all of the programs, which are free to the public. According to Murchinson, the outreach programs operate under Tree of Life’s community development corporation, Watts Up. The

Health Lifestyle Religion

Tree of Life Church Goes Beyond the Walls to Practice Innovative Ministry

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Contributing WriterJuly 19, 2019

Ministry takes different shapes at Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Pastor Marcus Murchinson, the Watts congregation goes beyond the church walls to provide services to benefit the local community.

Religion

New Mt. Calvary Plans Anniversary, Resurrection Observances

Sentinel News ServiceMarch 21, 2018

The excitement is building as the New Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church congregation prepares to mark their 55th anniversary. The observance will be held on Sunday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m., and recognition of new members at 10:45 a.m. At 3:30 p.m., the grand celebration features preaching by Pastor Larry Weaver of Atherton Baptist Church. Also, Pastor J. Benjamin Hardwick of Praises of Zion Baptist Church, Pastor Marcus Murchinson of Tree of Life Baptist Church, and Pastor David E. Cross of Greater Page Temple Church of God in Christ will participate. “We invite greater Los Angeles to celebrate with us

Religion

Jay-Z Video Sparks Controversy at Tree of Life Church

Dailyn Simmons, Sentinel InternAugust 16, 2017

A video featuring recording artist Jay-Z’s “Story of O.J.” sparked controversy on July 30 at Tree Of Life Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles when young praise dancers performed to the track while throwing money in the church’s sanctuary, leaving some members appalled. “I didn’t agree with it. They want to mix that with the church. There’s a place for everything,” said Bathilda Ross, a member for 42 years. Ross believes that many new ministers create churches on the basis of the outside world when they should be creating it for the world inside the church. Sharing a similar perspective,