Memorial services for the incomparable Apostle Frederick K. C. Price, the trail-blazing televangelist and founder of the Crenshaw Christian Center, will be held on Saturday, March 6. The memorial will start with a live-streamed private family service followed by a private family burial. An open to the public, lying in repose closed casket viewing is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, March 4th and Friday, March 5th at 7901 S. Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, CA.
Dr. Price passed away on February 12th at age 89, due to complications from the virus commonly known as COVID-19, which I refer to as ‘no-vic COVID’ to emphasize that it has no victory over us despite its insurmountable affects. Dr. Price and his wife were diagnosed with the virus in January. Mrs. Price’s symptoms were mild, while Apostle Price labored nearly five weeks in the hospital before succumbing to the disease.
The Price family announced his death via social media post, which in part read, “Our husband, father and your Apostle has gone to be with the Lord…We accept his decision to go as he got a glimpse of glory a couple of weeks ago. But we are sad… He fought the good fight of faith and laid hold of eternal life.”
Dr. Price founded Crenshaw Christian Center (CCC) in 1973, according to the church website. What started as a 300 member congregation, in Inglewood, California, quickly grew and reached megachurch dimensions with nearly 28,000 members. During the early days of CCC, there were standing-room-only crowds. Locals could see would-be parishioners lined up outside the church hoping to enter the sanctuary to hear the charismatic man of God share the “Word of Faith and prosperity that is in Christ Jesus.”
“I urge you to fight the good fight of faith by developing a personal relationship with the Lord by spending time with Him in prayer as well as in praise and worship and the reading of His Word on a consistent basis.” –Apostle Frederick K.C. Price
Along with his message of faith and prosperity, it was Dr. Price’s ‘teaching’ instead of ‘preaching’ style of ministry that initially attracted large crowds of his mostly African American congregation, and later a worldwide audience. In a 1992 article for the A.C.C. News, I reference “Rev. Price” and his unmatched sermon delivery in an article titled “Preaching without the Whoop.” Dr. Price ushered in a much imitated and now-common style of milder and less theatrical sermon delivery than most Black pastors had used since the formation of the Black church. Many CCC parishioners also had a distinct style which others soon followed, which we will discuss in an upcoming article.
“You do not need a minister to pray for you to be certain God hears your prayer. James 5:16 says the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. A righteous man is anyone who has received Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior.” –Apostle Frederick K.C. Price
In addition to his local ministry, Dr. Price broke barriers for the worldwide African American Christian community when he created the Ever Increasing Faith Ministries television ministry. EIFM allowed him to reach millions of people around the world, giving viewers a front row seat inside African American religious services for the first time.
Ever Increasing Faith Ministries accelerated CCC’s growth which led to the monumental purchase of the 32 acre former Pepperdine University campus, located in Los Angeles’ inner city. This was followed by another milestone for the pioneering pastor, which was the construction of the FaithDome—a 10,000+ seat sanctuary. The FaithDome was lauded as the country’s largest house of worship, when it opened in 1989, as well as one of the largest geodesic domes in the world. With a growing national and international audience and a large number of supporters in New York, in July, 2001, Price expanded the ministry and founded Crenshaw Christian Center East/New York. In 2008 Dr. Price was publicly affirmed as an apostle of faith. In 2009 Dr. Price turned the leadership of CCC over to his son Fred Price Jr.
Today the ministry has several divisions and notably operates the Frederick K.C. Price III Christian Schools, which has educated more than 10,000 children, from pre-school through 12th grade, in its elementary, junior and senior high schools.
Apostle Price is survived by his wife of 67-years, Dr. Betty Ruth Price, four children, 10 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
The memorial service may be viewed on the EIF YouTube Channel, EIF Facebook Page, EIF website-watch now, and EIF on demand.
Apostle Price ended most of his broadcasts with 2 Corinthians 5:7, that represented the essence of his life and ministry: For we walk by faith, not by sight.
About the Author
Sheryl Lynne Thomas-Perkins Sheryl Lynne Thomas-Perkins is an unapologetic optimist, award-winning poet, speaker, and writer, and an art collector. Her work has been published in USA TODAY, The Los Angeles Times, The Victorville Daily Press, The Atlanta Tribune, The San Bernardino Sun, LA Watts Times and more. She received a Master of Arts degree from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Science degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and began her collegiate studies at Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. Sheryl is a lifelong learner who recently completed studies in England, at Oxford University and is chronicling that experience while finalizing her first non-fiction book. She lives with her husband who often graciously doubles as her proofreader, and their feisty miniature pinscher Waverly.
