Second Baptist Celebrates 85th Anniversary of Church Edifice

The members of Second Baptist Church in Los Angeles will recognize the 85th year in their building at the corner of 24th and Griffith in January 2011, announced Rev. Dr. William S. Epps, senior pastor.

The Memorial and Historical Commission will lead the activities serving as core members of the Steering Committee for the 85th Anniversary Celebration.

According to Cathy Woodard, Celebration Chair, the building opened its doors as Second Baptist Church with two weeks of city-wide, interdenominational services on January 3-17, 1926.  On the concluding night there was a Formal Dedicatory Service with a sermon by Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr., of Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City.

Dr. Epps said, "We are excited and invite you to come and celebrate with us, as we replicate this event, with Pastor Calvin Butts of Abyssinian Baptist Church of New York City who has accepted our invitation to be our guest preacher on Sunday, January 9, 2011, for the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services.

"The coming year 2011 will be another historic year in the life of the Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles.  A series of special services and celebrations will occur during the year beginning in February, with Black History Month; in March, with Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent; in April as we approach Holy Week and Easter and so much more."

Second Baptist Church has maintained an uninterrupted presence in the Los Angeles community since its inception in 1885. The current church building is both a city and national cultural landmark designed by the renowned African-American architect, Paul R. Williams.

Second Baptist Church is located at 2412 Griffith Avenue in Los Angeles. For more information about 85th Anniversary, contact Sister Woodruff at (310) 312-3915.

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