Pastor Sonja R. Dawson

Top Religion Stories of 2022

Many notable events took place in the faith community during 2022. Here are some of the activities covered in the Religion section throughout the year.

New Mt. Calvary Marks Pastor’s Anniversary and Birthday

The members of New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church will mark the 10th anniversary and birthday celebration for Pastor Sonja R. Dawson with two events on Sunday, Jan. 24. At 11 a.m., a virtual worship service will be held via New Mt. Calvary’s Facebook Live @newmtcalvaryla and YouTube accounts. The guest preacher will be Pastor Geremy Dixon of Center of Hope Church of Inglewood. A drive-by birthday celebration takes place at 3 p.m., at the edifice located at 402 E. El Segundo Blvd., in Los Angeles. Performers include the NMC Worship and Arts Ministry, Elder Cecil Thompson, and other special

New Mount Calvary Plans Pastor’s Appreciation and Birthday Celebration

New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church will observe the 9th Pastoral Anniversary and Birthday Celebration of Pastor Sonja R. Dawson with two dynamic worship services. The Pre-Anniversary Celebration will be Wednesday, January 22, at 7 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Michael Fisher, senior pastor of Greater Zion Church Family in Compton will be the guest preacher. Also, Elder William E. Johnson III of Lighthouse Church of Houston will be the guest psalmist. On Sunday, January 26, at 7:30 a.m., the Rev. Lance Riley, senior pastor of The Neighborhood Church of Long Beach will preach. At 10:45 a.m., Evangelist Franchesca White, associate

New Mt. Calvary Celebrates Founder’s Day 2019

The life and ministry of the Rev. Dr. Lonnie Dawson will be observed at the Founder’s Day 2019 services hosted by New Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church on Sunday, Aug. 18, at the 7:30 a.m., and 10:45 a.m. worship services. Dr. Dawson organized New Mount Calvary in 1967 with six people and the membership grew to ex­ceed 2,000. During his ten­ure, the church sponsored a Child Care Center and an Elementary and Middle School and was actively in­volved in several outreach ministries to aid the local, national and international community. The vibrant ministry continues to make a difference within and

Beaver Addresses Social and Health Disparities in Unincorporated L.A. County

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, , the L.A. Sentinel Religion section presents L.A.-area “Champions of Faith,” which features ordinary people inspired by their faith to make a difference in the community. Rev. Dawnesha K. Beaver, MPH, MAT, Director of Business Operations and Strategy, New Mount Calvary Baptist Church What is the mission of this ministry?  The mission of New Mount Calvary Baptist Church, under the leadership Pastor Sonja R. Dawson, is to reach persons beyond our walls, nurture them to mature disciples, equip them for witnessing and winning the lost through love that we may all be joined together

New Mt. Calvary Holds Pastor’s Appreciation and Birthday Celebration

New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church will celebrate the 8th Pastoral Anniversary and Birthday Celebration for Pastor Sonja R. Dawson with two dynamic worship celebrations. The Pre-Anniversary Celebration begins on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., with Pastor E.V. Hill II of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles as guest preacher, as well as several guest pastors and ministries throughout the city. Also, Elder William E. Johnson III of Lighthouse Church of Houston, a spiritual son of New Mt. Calvary, will be the guest psalmist. On Sunday, Jan. 27, worship services will be held at 7:30 a.m., 10:45

New Mount Calvary Presents ‘RESET’ Revival

Pastor Sonja R. Dawson and New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church family will host their Annual Fall Revival 2018 with the Rev. Terry Streeter, senior pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Washington D.C., as the revivalist. The revival will begin on Sunday, Oct. 14, at the 7:30 a.m., and 10:45 a.m., worship services. Services will on Monday, Oct. 15, through Thursday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. The theme is “RESET.” “With over forty years of pastoral ministry, Rev. Streeter is known as a ‘teacher’s teacher’ and has used his ministerial gifts of preaching, teaching, and evangelizing, both domestically and

New Mt. Calvary Plans Anniversary, Resurrection Observances

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

New Mount Calvary Holds Pastor’s Appreciation

New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church will observe the 7th anniversary and birthday celebration for Pastor Sonja R. Dawson on Sunday, January 28, at the 7:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. worship services. Bishop Sherman Gordon, founder and senior pastor of Family of Faith Christian Center will be the guest preacher at the afternoon service. Also, several pastors are scheduled to participate including the Rev. Dr. Michael Fisher, the Rev. Dr. Najuma Smith-Pollard, the Rev. Dr. Donald Cook II and the Rev. Danone Williams. Dawson, the daughter of NMC founder the Rev. Dr. Lonnie Dawson, has served as spiritual

Faith Leaders Suggest Actions to Make MLK’s Dream a Reality

As the nation prepares to observe the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Day on Jan. 15, people across the land will salute his tremendous achievements and dramatic effect on civil rights. King’s endurance as a history-maker is demonstrated by the ongoing efforts of faith leaders, legislators and laity to make his dream of a color-blind, equitable society a reality. Seeking insight about King’s legacy and its relevance in the 21st century, the L.A. Sentinel asked four L.A. pastors for their thoughts. “Dr. King’s life allows us to glean obvious lessons on leadership and courage; yet, his true legacy is that he

New Mt. Calvary Presents Fall Revival 2017

Excitement is in the air as Pastor Sonja R. Dawson and congregation of New Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church prepare to host their Annual Fall Revival 2017. The worship services begin on Sunday, October 8, at 7:30 a.m., and 10:45 a.m., and continue on Monday, October 9 through Thursday, October 12 at 7 p.m. The theme is “Let’s God Power Fall.” The Rev. Terry D. Streeter, senior pastor of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Washington D.C. will be the revivalist. Renowned as a dynamic proclaimer of the word of God, Streeter has delivered messages across the country as well as

New Mount Calvary Celebrates 54th Anniversary

  Excitement is building as Pastor Sonja R. Dawson and the members of New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church prepare to celebrate their 54th anniversary. The theme is “A Church Standing on the Faithfulness of God” based on Hebrews 10:23. The observance kicks-off Sunday, March 19, at 3:30 p.m., with the Pre-Anniversary Worship Celebration featuring the pre-school, children, youth, and young adult ministries. In addition, national recording artist, Echoes of Worship, will perform during the program. On Sunday, March 26, three worship celebrations are planned. During the 10:45 a.m. service, new members will be honored. At the 3:30 p.m. worship,

New Mt. Calvary Marks Founder’s Day 2016

  The anticipation is building as New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church prepares for Legacy Weekend 2016. The celebration begins on Sunday, August 21, at 7:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., as Pastor Sonja R. Dawson and the congregation observe Founder’s Day honoring the contributions and legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Lonnie Dawson and First Lady Emeritus Mamie P. Dawson, who organized the fellowship. “We give all honor and glory to God for allowing Rev. Dr. Lonnie Dawson to labor in the vineyard at New Mount Calvary for over forty-eight years,” said a spokesperson. “We are delighted to acknowledge Dr.