Murray To Retire From Influential Black Church

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray, pastor of one of the most influential black congregations in Los Angeles for 27 years, is retiring from the pulpit. City officials will dedicate a street in honor of Murray, 75, at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday. “We have been blessed,” Murray said Friday before he was honored during an hour long tribute by city leaders. “We have tried to be of service to those in need. We have tried to help the homeless. We have tried to end the violence.” A Florida native, Murray came to the ministry after serving in the Air Force and soon became a prominent voice in the local black community. He helped organize volunteer groups to rebuild the city following the 1992 riots as well as community housing projects and neighborhood patrols to fight gang violence. “You have been a great shepherd in our city and shown a humility that has been an example to all of us,” Mayor James Hahn said. Former President Clinton, mired in the controversy over his affair with Monica Lewinsky, came to First AME to seek forgiveness and received Murray’s blessing. Nelson Mandela spoke there after his release from prison in South Africa. Murray is also credited with increasing the church’s membership to nearly 17,300 from 300. Two years ago, he underwent surgery for prostate cancer. Sunday’s service will follow a ceremony designating an area in front of the church in his honor.