Helene Howard Brookins Memorial Fountain and Gardens Dedicated at First AME Church, Los Angeles
On Sunday, October 29, 2023, the officers and members of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) Church in Los Angeles, with members of the Brookins family, paused at 12:30 p.m. to honor former FAME First Lady and Episcopal Supervisor Helene Howard Brookins by dedicating the fountain and garden in front of the church in her memory. This recognition was one of the last acts at FAME presided over by then pastor the Rev. J. Edgar Boyd before his retirement.
After the opening prayer by the Rev. Boyd, co-organizer Errol W. Briggs gave a brief overview of Mrs. Brookins’ legacy and importance to FAME—particularly in acquiring the land through her employment with the Max Factor Cosmetics Corporation. First AME Church Trustee Anna Moore then talked about the importance of the Fountain and Gardens to FAME’s edifice and the pride in restoring them. Retired Episcopal Supervisor Ernestine Lee Henning, a co-organizer of the service, was unable to be present yet provided a statement read by Jackie Dupont-Walker, AME Connectional Director of Social Action.
Norma J. Cook (former Connectional Women’s Missionary Society First Vice President) and Margot W. Harris (a co-worker of Supervisor Brookins at the Youth Intervention Family Restoration Project) also provided reflections. A letter was also read from Cordelia D. Mitchell, President of the Episcopal Superisors’ Council of the AME Church.
After the tributes, members of the Brookins family sprinkled her ashes on the fountain and rose garden. A brief tribute was also given by her son, Steven Brookins. Pastor Boyd delivered the benediction to culminate the dedication service.
