Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake

COGIC Quadrennial Election Postponed

Staff and Wire ReportMarch 3, 2021

The Church of God in Christ, Inc., has postponed the Quadrennial Election of the Presiding Bishop and General Board until later in March. In a statement dated March 1, Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., and Bishop L.F. Thuston, General Assembly Chair announced that a “high integrity third party vendor” will be selected by March 5 to “administer the Quadrennial Election under the supervision of the Election Commission.” The joint statement pointed to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the postponement, citing the “enormous organizational and logistical challenges” caused by the health calamity as well as

Spirited Homegoing Held for Rev. Dr. E.V. Hill II

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorAugust 28, 2019

More than 1,000 people were on hand to bid farewell to the Rev. Dr. Edward V. Hill II on Aug. 24, at West Angeles Church of God in Christ. Hill, the pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Spirit of Zion Fellowship Church, passed away suddenly on August 12, at the age of 52. The ecumenical crowd contained a wide range of clergy and lay people, who wept, shouted, danced and rejoiced throughout the spirit-filled service, which included music by the combined choirs of Mount Zion and Spirit of Zion. The Rev. Dr. Melvin V. Wade Sr., pastor emeritus of Mount

Crenshaw & Around Religion

Donnie McClurklin Delivers Powerful Word at West Angeles

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorMarch 20, 2019

Praise and worship rose to an incredibly high level as Pastor Donnie McClurklin delivered one powerful word after another at the West Angeles Cathedral on March 17. McClurklin, a Stellar and Grammy Award-winning artist, appeared as part the 50th preaching anniversary of the Right Rev. Charles E. Blake Sr., presiding prelate and chief apostle of the Church of God in Christ, Inc., and pastor of West Angeles COGIC. The service included a tribute to Dr. Judith C. McAllister, West Angeles’ minister of music, worship and liturgy. An anointed singer, songwriter and musician, McAllister led the church’s music ministry from 1992

Religion

This Week in Black Faith History – Bishop Charles Harrison Mason

Reprinted from COGIC.orgFebruary 20, 2019

Bishop Charles Harrison Mason was the founder and first senior bishop of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the largest African-American Pentecostal church in the United States. Born to former slaves Jerry and Eliza Mason in Shelby County, Tenn., on Sept. 8, 1864, Mason worked with his family as a sharecropper and did not receive a formal education as a child. But at an early age, he was influenced by his parents’ religion. Mason joined the African American Missionary Baptist Church when he was an adolescent and later received his license to preach from the Mount Gale Missionary Baptist

Religion

L.A.-Area Ministries Highlight Thanksgiving Events

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorNovember 14, 2018

In the midst of several calamities recently hitting the Southland, congregations of all faiths still retain their trust in God. No doubt the Thousand Oaks killing of 12 people, the massive destruction by fire of homes and businesses and the ongoing violence gripping many communities has led to suffering and sadness, yet belief and dedication to the Almighty hasn’t wavered and has led many churches and ministries to host Thanksgiving services and events to express their gratefulness to the Lord. The following lists some of the faith-based Thanksgiving activities occurring in the area that are open to the public. Brookins-Kirkland

Religion

Kounalakis Worships at West Angeles COGIC & FAME

Sentinel News ServiceAugust 22, 2018

Eleni Kounalakis, a candidate for California Lt. Governor and a former U.S. Ambassador visited and participated in the powerful and inspiring worship services at West Angeles Church of God in Christ led by Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., above, and First AME Church of Los Angeles under the leadership of Pastor J. Edgar Boyd, below, on Sunday, August 12. (Courtesy photos)

Religion

West Angeles CDC Hosts FAITH Expo

Sentinel News ServiceJuly 11, 2018

West Angeles Community Development Corporation will sponsor the Financial Awareness Investing in Total Health (FAITH) Expo. The event takes place on Saturday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at West Angeles Church of God in Christ, 3600 S. Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles. The Right Rev. Charles E. Blake, COGIC presiding prelate, is the host pastor. According to Executive Director Belinda Allen, “The FAITH Expo will feature education and resource series on financial products and services, health and fitness, wealth building strategies, and asset protection. “Also, this event will help prepare consumers to compete for financial products, acquire

Business Family Health Local News News (Family)Political Safety

West Angeles CDC Breaks Ground on New Affordable Housing Project

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Staff WriterJuly 5, 2018

Sunny skies and beautiful weather were the perfect complement to the June 29 groundbreaking ceremony on a new affordable senior housing development for seniors and special needs residents.

Religion

Judge Mablean Speaks at West Angeles COGIC

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorMay 9, 2018

The Mother’s Day/Women’s Day Celebration at West Angeles Church of God in Christ will feature Judge Mablean Ephriam as the guest speaker. The service takes place on Sunday, May 13, at the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship at West Angeles Cathedral, 3600 S. Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles. COGIC Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. is the pastor. Also, a concert and program will be held at 7 p.m., in the North Campus sanctuary located at 3045 S. Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles. Inviting the public to attend, First Lady Mae L. Blake said, “Judge Mablean will enlighten, entertain

Religion

COGIC Launches ‘I AM 2018 Movement’ for Racial and Economic Justice

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorApril 5, 2018

Presiding Bishop Charles Blake unveils campaign in Memphis during 50th anniversary of MLK assassination Faith leaders, community activists, labor heads and prominent entertainers united with Church of God in Christ (COGIC) Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., to launch the I AM 2018 Movement on April 2-4, in Memphis, Tennessee. Blake, who is also pastor of West Angeles COGIC in Los Angeles, joined with the American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) to organize the national effort to commemorate the 1968 “Mountaintop” speech by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., acknowledge the 50th anniversary of King’s assassination,

Religion

Black History – Andraé Crouch

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorFebruary 14, 2018

Andraé Crouch – ‘The Father of Modern Gospel Music’ Andraé Crouch was a native of Los Angeles who drew worldwide acclaim for his transformative gospel music. Often referred to as “The Father of Modern Gospel Music,” Crouch and his sister, Sandra, served as pastors of New Christ Memorial Church in Pacoima. A prolific writer, musician, and arranger, Crouch composed over 1700 songs resulting in multiple Grammy awards, six GMA Dove Awards, an Oscar nomination for “The Color Purple,” and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Also, his work was featured in the movie, “The Lion King.” In a

Religion

West Angeles COGIC Hosts Evangelist Morris Cerullo

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorJanuary 24, 2018

An overflowing crowd came out to West Angeles Church of God in Christ – North Campus on Jan. 14 to hear the preaching and testimonies of international evangelist Morris Cerullo, at left with COGIC Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr. Cerullo, who founded Morris Cerullo World Evangelism in 1961, has been in ministry for more than seven decades. Dedicated to helping hurting people, Cerullo has ministered to millions in 93 nations. He currently travels more than 250,000 miles every year to preach healing and salvation to the world.

Religion

West Angeles COGIC Welcomes Civil Rights Icon Andrew Young

Cora Jackson-Fossett, Religion EditorNovember 29, 2017

Civil rights icon Andrew Young will grace the pulpit of West Angeles Church of God in Christ on Sunday, Dec. 3. The world renowned statesman and ordained minister is scheduled to deliver sermons at the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services held in the West Angeles Cathedral, 3600 S. Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles. “We are honored to present Rev. Andrew Young to preach at West Angeles Church,” said Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., COGIC presiding prelate and pastor of West Angeles. “He served and fought for freedom and justice by the side of Dr. Martin Luther King,

Religion

West Angeles CDC Continues to Soar with New Leadership

Niele Anderson, Contributing Writer October 4, 2017

Dr. Lula Ballton is former CEO of West Angeles CDC and current president of the National Community Development, COGIC, International. With Dr. Ballton’s support and the blessing of senior pastor, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Dr. Belinda Allen takes the reign as executive director of West Angeles CDC. West Angeles Community Development Corporation recently held a “Meet & Greet” luncheon at one of its community enhancement projects, the West Angeles Villas located in the Crenshaw District to inform and engage community stakeholders regarding existing programs, community revitalization projects and introduce its interim executive director, Dr. Belinda Allen. Dr. Allen was