Ominous rumors and tales of decline surrounded First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Los Angeles when the public learned last week of the bankruptcy protection filing for three FAME corporations.
But the Sentinel learned critical facts about the situation in an exclusive interview with Pastor Robert Shaw and after reviewing pertinent documents. Most importantly, the senior minister, who was assigned to FAME in November, is adamant about continuing to fulfill the church’s mission.
“God kept us, even in spite of tabloid gossip and misinformation. We’re still here, we’re still standing, and we still believe in God,” insisted Shaw, who emphasized that the historic edifice, Allen House, or the church’s property on Hobart Street are not impacted by the filing.
“We recognize the importance of still keeping our mantra, “first to serve.” There will not be an interruption of services as far as we can help and manage it. We’re going to continue to help those who are in need or less fortunate or who call upon the church,” he vowed.
Yet, there is no denying that the church’s history of service has been shaken by the bankruptcy filing on May 1, 2024, of the three nonprofits – FAME Assistance Corporation, FAME Housing Corporation, and FAME Good Shepherd. The entities, established during the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, improved the standard of living of thousands of people in South Los Angeles through a myriad of outreach programs.
Those good works were soon undone during the tenure of Murray’s successor, the Rev. John Hunter, and his then-wife, Denise Brown Hunter. According to the press release issued by FAME, the Hunters “created an untenable financial situation for the church. The perceived mismanagement and unfair business practices in the administration that came after the Rev. Murray sparked a chain of events that led the three involved FAME entities to where they are now.”
In addition to financial mismanagement, the Hunters illegally transferred some of the properties from the church’s nonprofits to their control. When the Rev. J. Edgar Boyd was appointed FAME pastor in 2012, he mounted a years-long effort to regain the assets and restore the finances.
“Despite the valiant efforts of former Pastor Boyd…his predecessor’s mismanagement was so grave that his efforts delayed, but could not stop, the financial crisis that Pastor Shaw received upon his recent arrival,” according to the news release.
As Shaw explained, “The last thing I wanted these entities to do was file for bankruptcy protection, but the three involved FAME corporations had assets that were encumbered or otherwise transferred to other parties under questionable circumstances. That status forced us to move quickly to avoid additional damage.”
Pastor Shaw also expressed concern about people who utilized the services offered by FAME corporations.
“The real victims in this financial crisis are community members who may be affected by receiving transportation, housing assistance, and other services provided by FAME Assistance Corporation and FAME Housing Corporation. Our aim is to ensure that services remain uninterrupted throughout this process,” said the pastor.
In the midst of the bankruptcy process, Shaw remains optimistic and totally trusting in God, and many in the FAME congregation share his outlook. Naomi Robinson, a member for many years, admitted disappointment in the turn of events but not defeat.
“We’re going to be okay. We’re going to survive this and we’re going to continue to grow the church. So, we shouldn’t lose faith, and we shouldn’t lose hope,” said Robinson.
Having a similar viewpoint, Shaw said, “The church is continuing to press on. As within any church, we always [keep] our doors open for more membership and we’d like to increase our activities of ministry.
“Our determination is to move forward. Fueled by faith, we embrace and include the community as our own to serve,” noted the pastor.
“Our mentality for ministry is still, “First to serve,” and our magnification for ministry is #FAMEUS
