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First
United Methodist Church Celebrates 140 Years
Ceremonies
included guest speakers, choir performances
By
Cheryl Scott
Bulletin Staff Writer
More
than 100 members of the congregation and the community of Compton attended
the celebration of the 140th anniversary of the city’s oldest
church, First United Methodist, which is also thought to be the oldest
protestant church in the state.
“It was a great day for our church,” said Joyce Kelly,
one of the event’s organizers. “We had lots of speakers.
City Councilman Isadore Hall was unable to attend because of a death
in
his family, but he sent Arturo Frazier to represent him. We thought
Bernard Parks would not be able to come, but he showed up with his
entourage and spoke beautifully. We also had a very rousing service
from Rev. Kenneth Waters.”
Kenneth L. Waters Sr. is associate dean of the Division of Religion
and Philosophy and professor of New Testament at Azusa Pacific University.
He teaches biblical studies in both the undergraduate and graduate
programs, as well as instructs in the Doctor of Ministry program of
the Haggard Graduate School of Theology.
He is also the author of two books: “Afrocentric Sermons: The
Beauty of Blackness in the Bible” and “I Saw the Lord:
A Pilgrimage Through Isaiah Six.”
He spoke on the theme of the celebration: 140 Years of Encountering
Jesus. The church is known for its ability to focus its ministry where
it is most needing, meeting the changing needs of the community.
“The church has been a constant presence in the community
for 140 years,” said the Rev. Tonya Harris. “For all those
years it has sought to serve the needs of residents of the community.
We
have focused on the needs of those who come to us for emergency assistance
and those men and women who are incarcerated. We are always seeking
to remain relevant in today’s society.”
In addition to congratulatory speeches, the ceremonies included performances
by the St. Philip Lutheran Church Choir, the United Methodist Mixed
Choir and the church’s Tongan Choir.
The church was founded by some of the first 30 families who settled
in what is now Compton in 1867. The Rev. A. P. Hendon came from the
settlement of Los Angeles to preach the first sermon in Compton and
received 16 charter members of the church.
Through the years, the church has been influential in the life of the
Compton community as well as providing leadership within the framework
of the United Methodist Church’s organization. During the 1970s
it was especially known for its work with youth in the community.
The congregation is predominately African American, but it is also
spiritual home to Latinos, Anglos and multiracial individuals. It is
also known as the first church in the United States of offer a Tongan
Ministry.
Today the ministry is heading by Rev. Tonya Harris, senior pastor,
and by Rev. Epeli Uhamaka, Tongan pastor.
The Tongan ministry was founded by Mele Luani, who came to the United
States in 1973. The Rev. Willie Foreman, the first African American
minister assigned to the church, noticed Luani’s regular attendance
and encouraged her to invite all the Tongan people she knew to worship
at the church in their own language.
The first Tongan worship service was performed at the church on October
23, 1973. In 1974, the First United Methodist Conference appointed
Tevita Puloka to serve as the first Tongan minister at the Compton
church. He was the first Tongan to work as a pastor in Southern California.
Today Compton First United Methodist Church is the “mother church” for
all Tongan ministries in the United Methodist Church. There are 14
Tongan ministries in Southern California.
“It truly has been a pleasure for me to chair this phenomenal
event for the 140th Anniversary of First United Methodist Church of
Compton,” Kelly
told The Bulletin. “I am also proud to be a part of this historical
institution. I will pray its members will continue in their endeavor
of ‘Encountering Jesus.’”
Judge Kelvin Filer grew up in the church when it was First Methodist
Church of Compton located downtown. “My spiritual foundation
was built here!” he said. “Both of my daughters, Brynne
and Kree, were baptized at First Church. As an adult, I have tried
to maintain a commitment presence and to be active in our ministry.”
Filer was an acolyte, attended Sunday school, sang in the Youth Choir,
was active in the Youth Fellowship Group and was a member of the Boy
Scout Troup that was housed at the church.
“I feel blessed and fortunate to be able to serve as chairperson
for the Administrative Council at the time we are celebrating our 140th
Anniversary. First United Methodist Church of Compton has a rich and
compelling history of ministry in Southern California. I am proud to
call First United Methodist Church my church home. It was thrilling
to hear the rousing sermon preached by Dr. Waters. It was especially
relevant to the church’s mission."
Members of the Tongan ministry were responsible for the decorations
on the dais and the speakers’ stage. “The Tongan choir
also sang,” said Kelly. “When they sing, their voices actually
take on the sound of musical instruments. It is indescribable, and
those who attended the celebration were enthusiastic in their response.”
At the ceremony, longtime members Addison Carter and Ruby Fentry were
crowned king and queen of the event.
“We hope to continue our work in Compton for many years to come,” said
Harris. “We invite anyone with the desire to serve to join us
in our work.”
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