Save the CCCF Tower

Dear Family, Friends, and Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The landmark church, the Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship, has

been a pillar in the West Adams community of South Los Angeles for nearly

eighty years and it is now in danger of closure.

Please help us keep this landmark church in the African American community

open.

THE HISTORY OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH CHRISTIAN

FELLOWSHIP

Before words like diversity, equity, and inclusion became popular, three pastors

of diverse backgrounds believed in God’s word and brought those terms to life. In 1945, Reverend Harold Kingsley (African American), Reverend Royden

Suzu-Maga (Japanese American) and Reverend Raymond Booth (White

American) met in the living room of a home at 3332 W. Adams Blvd. to start The Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship (CCCF). For over 80 years, CCCF has been on the frontlines of social justice, civil rights, mental health and

community uplift. Members marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., worked

with SCLC and supported activist Cesar Chavez, who stayed in our Fellowship

House when he came to town to organize protests for migrant farmers. The

church has also advocated for seniors, children, the mentally ill and the homeless.

Pastor James K. McKnight was appointed Senior Pastor in 2005. Under his

dynamic leadership, the spiritual vitality of CCCF continued, the membership

increased, and new ministries were established. In addition, the church continued its community outreach, entered new business ventures, and connected with a

small African village. Sadly, the pandemic forced us to close, but Pastor McKnight has diligently continued to preach the Word of God through Sunday Zoom

services and other social media platforms.

THE TIME TO RESTORE CCCF HAS COME; AN URGENT CALL FOR ACTION

A church the size and age of Christian Fellowship requires continued

maintenance. Our colorful steeple is adorned with a beautiful cross, a

landmark and a beacon along the 10 Freeway that has led visitors to the church

for over 80 years. Unfortunately, it is now leaning and in danger of falling. The

steeple’s destruction would cause irreparable harm to the church, the community and the Los Angeles landscape. The City has graciously extended the time

required to repair the steeple, but if not addressed immediately, church

leadership will face some tough decisions, including the possibility of permanent closure. Most CCCF members are now seniors on fixed incomes. While the

church had been able to sustain itself, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to close for two years. During that time, several members expired or were unable to

return. The pandemic, coupled with the loss of congregants, has made it difficult to raise funds to address the needed repairs to the steeple, and the current

membership cannot do it alone. We face insurmountable odds, but Pastor

McKnight often says, ‘We are committed to honoring God, developing Christians, connecting people, and loving everybody!’ We are a faith-filled church and lean

on the Book of Romans' promise that God works for our good in all things and

that ALL things are possible for those who love The Lord.

If you are so led, we humbly ask for your support as we endeavor to raise funds

needed to keep CCCF, a pillar in the community for nearly 80 years, open.

No donation is too small. All donations are tax-deductible. And we will receive

your gifts with grateful hearts.

God bless you all!

Congregational Church of Christian Fellowship

Los Angeles, CA