[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           FIRST A.M.E. OF LOS ANGELES AND REV. CECIL MURRAY

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute today 
and commemorate the 125th anniversary of the First African Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Los Angeles, CA. First A.M.E., as it is known to 
millions of southern Californians, is the oldest predominately African-
American church in Los Angeles. For the past 20 years, First A.M.E. has 
been led by the Reverend Cecil L. ``Chip'' Murray, who has 
distinguished himself as one of the leading black clergymen in America 
during his tenure at this church.
  This year's anniversary celebration is about much more than 
longevity. It is about a legacy of and commitment to leadership and 
inspiration. First A.M.E. is not only the oldest and most well-known 
African-American church in Los Angeles, it is also the most highly 
respected. Its reputation as a place of worship and a center of black 
community fellowship and action is known to Angelenos of every social 
and ethnic background. Its voice has been an essential part of a city 
known for dynamic civic dialog.
  In addition to its central role as a church, First A.M.E. also 
provides much-needed leadership and social service assistance in the 
community. Church outreach efforts include providing food and housing 
assistance to families and individuals in need, job training and 
placement services and working with young people to encourage them 
along the paths of personal and spiritual fulfillment and social 
responsibility. Although its focus is primarily local, First A.M.E. has 
also hosted leaders of national and international stature at its Sunday 
services. In so doing, First A.M.E. has provided a valuable forum, 
which has stimulated dialog and action in the community.
  One-hundred and twenty-five years ago, a former slave, Biddy Mason, 
founded the First A.M.E. in her home in what is now downtown Los 
Angeles. Today, the congregation worships in a beautiful building 
designed by the renowned black architect Paul Williams. When the first 
service was held there were only 12 people in attendance. When I was 
there last year, there were over 600 people at just one service, and 
there were several held that day.
  The Reverend Chip Murray joined First A.M.E. in 1977, when the 
congregation had but 300 active members. Today, this number has 
increased to over 9,000, representing all age ranges and every 
socioeconomic group in Los Angeles' diverse African-American community. 
Under Reverend Murray's leadership, First A.M.E. has developed 30 task 
forces that focus on such issues as health, substance abuse, aid to 
needy families and the elderly, housing and economic development, job 
training, and tutoring. I cannot say enough about First A.M.E.'s 
efforts to reach out to people from all walks of life.
  Reverend Murray's mission has been to expand the church beyond its 
walls. As an example, every new congregant is asked to participate in a 
task force. Efforts such as this help ensure that First A.M.E. remains 
intimately involved in the life and times of the great city which it 
serves. Because of this dedication to public service, Reverend Murray 
and First A.M.E. have become beacons of hope and inspiration in a city 
where all too often fear and despair prevail. Their hard work and 
boundless decency represent well the power of faith leavened with 
action.

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