On Friday night it was confirmed noted Los Angeles icon and spiritual leader the Rev., Dr. Cecil “Chip” Murray passed. He recently celebrated his 94th birthday and has a long career in ministry which includes nearly three decades at Los Angeles’ oldest black church, First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) where he led them to historic levels. His leadership and dedication to social ministry was highlighted in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Located in West Adams, FAME became a pillar of strength in helping the community recover, as it literally was the “beacon on the hill.”.

The AME Church has a mandatory retirement age at 75 but that didn’t stop Rev. Murray. His activision continued as he created the Cecil L. Murray Center for Religion and Civic Culture at the University of Southern California.

Following his tenure at FAME, he moved his church membership closer to his View Park home and worshipped at Bryant Temple AME church located in Leimert Park until his passing.