LA Black Church Leaders Hold City-Wide Revival at Mt. Moriah as Congregation Marks 80 Years
The Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Southern California held its annual City-Wide Revival at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in September 2026, as the historic congregation celebrated its 80th anniversary. Leaders used the gathering to address the challenge of passing the Black church's legacy to younger generations.
The Baptist Ministers Conference of Los Angeles and Southern California held its annual City-Wide Revival at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles in September 2026, coinciding with the church's 80th anniversary.
Conference president Dr. Donald R. Robinson opened the event by emphasizing the importance of centering faith and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide the church's direction. Guest speakers Dr. Clifford L. Mayes of St. Louis and Dr. T.K. Anderson of Houston led ministry sessions throughout the revival. The Baptist Ministers Conference Mass Choir, directed by Dr. Catherine Rachel, provided music for the gatherings.
Mt. Moriah's pastor, Dr. Jonteris Tate, addressed what he called the generational challenge facing the Black church. He noted that younger generations today have broader access to professional and educational opportunities than their predecessors did, making it harder to convey the historical importance of the church as a center of community life.
The revival was part of a broader effort by Los Angeles pastors to honor the history of the Black church while ensuring its continued relevance. Mt. Moriah, located at 4269 S. Figueroa St., has been a fixture in the South Los Angeles community for eight decades and has played a role in nurturing generations of gospel artists and community leaders.
