The 20-Year Journey of New Philadelphia AME Church
By Solomon Fitzgerald, 5thEpiscopal District
New Philadelphia AME Church was organized and founded in June of 1997, under the leadership of the Rev. Sherman Gordon and a group of committed Christians. The church was approved as the newest addition to the Connectional AME Church in August 1997, with Carson, California designated as the church’s city foundation. At the opening service in October 1997, there were more than 300 people in attendance with many officially joining the church on that same day.
The Lord has really blessed New Philadelphia AME Church, enabling it to grow from a modest mission church to a thriving congregation by the end of its first annual conference year. In 2004, the church was able to purchase a 64,000 square foot property in Rancho Dominguez, California, which was refurbished and later dedicated as our official church home.
The congregation continued to grow to over 600 members and; in the year of 2010, there was a shift in the atmosphere. This is when the Lord sent the Rev. Darryl E. Walker—a humble, experienced, dedicated, loyal, well-read, and prophet—to be the shepherd and pastor of New Philadelphia AME Church. Upon his arrival, he met with many officers, the ministerial staff, and the congregation and proceeded to access and analyze the entire church situation, spiritually, financially, and functionally. He then called New Philadelphia AME Church “a blessing.” Fromthat point on, Pastor Walker passionately led and taught the church, emphasizing the motto, “We are a New AME Experience…We have a Reason to Shout.”
Pastor Walker then drew up the plans and set in motion the process of reducing the church’s indebtedness in order to restore the temple and move it on to greater heights. He knew there would be great trials and setbacks but that did not deter him because he also knew the people were completely dedicated and had full faith in God for a better future. While many thought that doom and gloom were in the path for New Philadelphia, Pastor Walker led us into fervent prayer and asked God to lead us to a place of service and evangelism. In that same conference year, we sold our property on South Susana Road and the Lord blessed us with the resources to purchase a new church facility in Long Beach, along with additional land for parking. We dedicated our block-long campus at 6380 Orange Avenue as our new church home. We praise and thank God for His many blessings.
Two times New Philadelphia has hosted the Southern California Annual Conference of the AME Church (the 88th& 93rdSessions), both under the leadership of Pastor Walker. God has blessed and continues to bless us with many additional accomplishments under his leadership.
We at New Philadelphia AME Church in Long Beach, California, wish to pass on to other AME churches and congregations that it was under the mighty warrior, the Rev. Walker, whom God sent to us to be our pastor to lead, teach, and guide us through his adept skill of Christian preaching and teaching. We immediately noticed the difference between just having church and truly worshipping our Lord and Savior. It is always crucial that a church encourages its people and pastor to communicate and cooperate with each other in the most effective way. The most important factor of a truly wholesome church, however, is the constant emphasis on the importance of praying together, for each other, and to let the Holy Spirit guide us in accomplishing every endeavor that comes our way. There is no doubt that New Philadelphia has truly embodied all of these qualities. Psalm 27:13-14 says, “I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” New Philadelphia says, “This is the place where the Holy Ghost reigns.” It has been a great 20-year journey.
Mr. Solomon Fitzgerald is a Trustee of New Philadelphia AME Church.
