Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church was established in 1906. The church was named Grant Chapel A.M.E. after the Right Reverend Abraham Grant, Presiding Bishop of the District at that time. The church was started in a little one room house on Manhattan Street (now 113th Street) in Los Angeles by the late Reverend S.E. Edwards. As a result of great efforts and hard work, God provided a new church home at 114th Street and Compton Avenue. In 1923, the membership increased to several hundred. Property was purchased and a new building erected on 108th and Compton Avenue.

Reverend Henry W. Murph was appointed pastor in 1950. During his administration, the membership increased from 300 to over 2500. A major building program resulted in our present location at 10435 South Central Avenue. Acquisition of property, church building improvements, and a tape ministry for the sick and shut-in are among his accomplishments. He also established agreement with General Services Administration (GSA) to house the Social Security Office in Watts. Reverend Murph was elected Bishop in 1968.

Reverend John H. Adams served from 1968 until 1972 when he was elected Bishop. While at Grant, he completed the building of the GSA site, instituted a Scholarship program, and placed emphasis on the establishment of youth programs.

Grant Church has been blessed with others who gave faithful service to God as Pastors:

 Reverend George E. Reid, 1972 - 1977: Decreased indebtedness, organized youth services, enlarged the GSA, established a 10-year lease with GSA, secured a church bus, and initiated the Grant A.M.E. Newsletter.

 Reverend James H. Oxley, 1977 - 1983: Completed a major refurbishing program. He was called home April 2002.

 Reverend Felix Dancy, 1983 - 1985: Encouraged youth development, supported the church building fund, and was instrumental in automating church office and upgrading sound and recording system.

 Reverend Daniel W. Pinkard 1985 - 1994: Emphasized the need to move the "church" beyond the church walls to the community; laid the foundation for several outreach programs that continue today. He was called home to glory in November 1994.

In 1994, we received Reverend Leslie R. White, who challenges us to "save souls, serve one another and the community, and "financial freedom through increase stewardship."

With an excellent foundation established since 1906 by Pastors, Officers, and Laypersons, and under the dynamic leadership of Pastor White, Grant is moving to greater fields of service. Grant continues to strengthen its presence as a change agent for empowerment and redemption in the Watts Community.