Memories of the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. "Chip" Murray - 1929-2024

The Rev. Dr. Cecil L. "Chip" Murray, who died April 5, 2024 at age 94, trained 1,000 faith leaders in community development and civic engagement at USC, building on an illustrious career as pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal (FAME) Church of Los Angeles. He transformed FAME into a megachurch that brought jobs, housing and corporate investment into South Los Angeles neighborhoods.
These reflections and stories represent just a few of the thousands of people - politicians, faith leaders, colleagues -- Rev. Murray influenced during his years at USC and FAME. They were recorded at various points throughout the last decade, including birthday and retirement parties and CRCC events.
Rev. Murray has inspired and mentored much of the faith-based community engagement work that continues today in Los Angeles, across denomination and ethnic groups. As LA City Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson says in his comments, he set the tone for conversations on moral issues in this city to this day.

[@BESTLARealEstate]

My family and I were members of FAME and Rev. Murray was our pastor. One time when my grandmother was in the hospital with a serious illness, Rev. Murray asked my mom about my grandmother's health. My mom told him she wasn't doing so well and asked him if he would visit my grandmother sometime during the upcoming week. After church, my mom and I went home to change our clothes before driving to the hospital. When we walked into the hospital room, imagine our shock to find Rev. Murray in the room visiting my grandmother with two assistants giving my grandmother communion. That act of love still has power, we still remember how happy his visit made my grandmother. His visits gave her strength and hope, and changed her entire outlook. She was able to overcome her illness and get discharged a few weeks later. God Bless Rev. Murray. Thank you for being a good man. Thank you for being a guiding light through all of our challenges. We love you. Rest Well.❤

[@jeanettegriffin7654]

I'm going to miss you Pastor Cecil L Chip Murray but I will never forget you. Thank you Job well done Pastor. God bless

[@ashllykaleo]

He believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. Counseled my son who has become a Juris Doctor, instrumental in constructing Barack Obama's presidential campaign and now is editor in chief of the BLACK Newspaper The Florida Star . A fitting son of the many sons of Dr. Murray.
He gave me the opportunity to produce for First AME Church Los Angeles The World Festival of Sacred Music conceived of by the Dalai Lama and produced by Professor Judy Mitoma through UCLA in 1999 and 2003. And other high profile projects with the help of many brilliant members of our choir and others, Rev. Najuma Smith being one of them. He was extraordinary in every sense of the word. See you Pastor when joy comes in the morning.
"Community Bridge ", Lady Kaleo

[@Darrell-gf3js]

Rev. Dr. Cecil "Chip" Murray were my instructors at USC along with the First 3 speakers of this video. Rev. Frank Jackson, Rev. Najuma "JuJu" (last name escapes me) Rev. Dr. Mark Whitlock. Who isnt their to honor Chip, is Rev. Eugene Williams R.I.P. may God bless The Honorable Rev. Dr. Cecil "Chip" Murrayin you God is well pleased.

[@ashllykaleo]

I can't say enough about this great soldier of CHRIST. He helped me to believe that I could do the impossible through CHRIST who strengthens me.
I will always love you Dear One. Take your well earned rest.
"Lady" Kaleo ❤❤❤

[@michelleanderson6914]

I love love this Man. He was there for me and my daughter's. He baptized both of my girls. He will definitely be truly missed.😢 Rip Pastor

[@dfelix1010]

Thank you for this beautiful tribute.
I have so many memories of Papa Chip but this one is my favorite.
My daughter was around 3 years old (now 32) was rushed her to the emergency room.
We learned she was allergic to spider bites and her face and glands swelled up.
By the time we left the hospital the swelling had gone down a bit but her face still looked disfigured and beaten.
It was a tough night for her. She was released before 5am and when I buckled her in she said, "I want to see Papa Murray."
"Eden. He's not at the church yet."
"Yes he is!"
"No. He isn't"
"YES HE IS!!! I WANT TO SEE PAPA NOOOOW!"
She had already been through so much. It was just a short detour to prove her wrong.
And there it was. His "Holy smoke" car.
"I told you!" as she unbuckled herself. I opened the door and she ran up the ramp and her little hands knocked on the outside door.
By the time I caught up to her, he had opened the door. He embraced her and held her.
How did he hear her faint knock?
He looked at me sternly and asked Eden, "Garden. Who did this to you?"
"A spider"
He burst into a laughter that echoed the hallway. They went into the office and had orange juice. He listened while Eden told him all about her night.
RIP
🙏🏼💜🕊

[@michelleanderson6914]

I was blessed to see a similar situation. My baby girl (1999) had her own personal meeting with him. She could just go to the office and he always made her feel special (as he did everyone) She is no longer with us but hopefully they have seen one another in heaven. Always making you feel Seen. RIP Pastor you will be truly missed.

[@lizaevans714]

Smart Baby, go Eden ❤

[@ashllykaleo]

P.S.
My son, by the way, is Opio Sokoni, JD