"Firtst African Methodist Episcopal Church" (1872) "Aka" Fame"

Is the oldest and one of the largest congregations in Los Angeles.It was founded in 1872 by Bridget (Biddy) Mason who arrived as a slave in Los Angeles with her owner in 1856.However,since California was a free state, Bridget with the help of local black and white abolitionist,successfully sued in court to win her freedom.In 1872 ,she organized the first FAME meeting in her own home,which twelve other people attended.The congregation remained very small and their meetings were held alternatively in the member's homes.During the 1880s,as migration of both blacks and whites to Los Angeles increased the FAME church become more popular,particularly among the middle class blacks.The first permanent church building was established in 1903 on Eight and Tome in the African American business district.The Gothic-style church became a community landmark.Trouble faced FAME Church in 1915,when the popular Reverend Napoleon P.Gregg's was removed by an AME bishop,outraging many church members.Several left the church to form the Independent Church of Christ (later People's Independent Church) with Napoleon as minister.This schism destabilized the church but through the leadership of senior minister,Reverend J. Logan Craw,FAME quickly gained strenght again as well as its prominence in the black community.By the 1960s the area around the church became industrial and commerical,so relocation was sought.In 1969 the church moved to 2270 South Harvard Boulevard in Southwest Los Angeles where it remains today.The number of members remained under 200 until the arrival of former seattle Reverend Cecil L.Murray in 1977.Under his dynamic leadership,which lasted until his retirement in 2004,FAME was transformed.The membership grew to 18,000 and a greater emphasis was put on social welfare.FAME church had always been involved in the community,especially in regard to civil rights.During the late 1800s,FAME members became outraged by school by school segregation in Los Angeles.M. Horatius Martinez,a local attorney,went to court with the support of Fame church members and won a legal decision that integrated local schools.In the 1960s,during the height of the Civil Rights the senior minister at FAME,Revered H. Hartford Brookins,urged the members to become more involved.Through the support of the FAME church,Tom Bradely,a prominent church members,would become mayor of Los Angeles in 1973.The FAME Church continues its work in social welfare.The church spends over $ 2 million annually to support over 40 community programs, including housings, and food for the homeless,legal assistance,and youth programs.