More than 3,000 faith leaders, family members, civic officials and churchgoers filled the West Angeles Cathedral on a gray Wednesday morning to celebrate the life and legacy of Superintendent Lawrence Champion Blake, the beloved pastor, son, husband and father whose impact stretched from Watts to the global Church of God in Christ.
      The four-hour homegoing service unfolded as both sacred ceremony and communal tribute, blending soaring music, heartfelt reflections and deeply personal testimonies. Grammy-winning gospel vocalist Karen Clark Sheard offered comfort and reverence, while Stevie Wonder delivered a poignant rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer”. More than 14 tributes were delivered by COGIC officials, pastors, and elders from across the nation, each echoing a common refrain: that just as Blake’s life was marked by purpose, humility, and profound impact, so too was the extraordinary outpouring of love, support, and appreciation shown to Presiding Bishop Emeritus Charles E. Blake Sr., Lady Mae Blake, and the entire Blake and West Angeles family.
      Among those in attendance were Magic Johnson and his wife, Cookie, actor Glenn Turman, Dr. Betty Price, former L.A. City Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas and 10th District Councilwoman Heather Hutt. While the ceremony was led by COGIC leadership, faith leaders from other denominations across Los Angeles also gathered in solidarity, including Bishops Kenneth Ulmer and Noel Jones, along with Pastors Geremy Dixon, Xavier Thompson, Timothy Tyler, Princeton Parker and Rev. Melvin Wade. Officiating the service was Bishop Uleses Henderson Jr., senior pastor of Emmanuel Church of God in Christ.
      Barbara McCoo Lewis, General Supervisor of the COGIC International Department of Women, described Blake as a man with “a special assignment” on his life. “He which has begun a good work in us shall perform it until the day of Jesus Christ,” she said, reflecting on Blake’s calling and fulfillment of purpose. She remembered the devotion between Blake and his wife, Lady Janine, recalling the way he looked at her on their wedding day. “I knew she had his heart,” Lewis said. “They were always together with their family.” She noted his appointment as superintendent of the New Antioch District and honored the lineage of leadership he represented.
      Karen Clark Sheard, who serves as First Lady of the COGIC denomination, addressed Lady Janine directly. “From a pastor’s wife to a pastor’s wife, you’ve done well protecting your champion’s heart,” she said. She extended condolences on behalf of Presiding Bishop Drew Sheard and praised Blake family’s tremendous influence within the church and beyond.
      Councilwoman Heather Hutt reflected not only on Blake’s pastoral leadership, but on their shared neighborhood. “He was my neighbor who only lived a few doors down,” she said. “We’d see each other in the morning or late evening and just give a wave, because we both knew we were out to do the work.” Citing Revelation 21:4, she reminded mourners that while grief is real, Heaven promises peace and restoration. She noted Blake’s decade of service at West Angeles in the 10th District and his later pastoral leadership at Palm Lane Church of God in Christ in Watts, where he remained anchored in faith even amid serious health challenges.
      Lady Jeanine Blake stood with remarkable composure, attributing her strength not to herself but to the Holy Spirit. “Everybody knew that I loved my husband,” she said. “He was the love of my life.” She acknowledged the pain of watching him decline physically, recalling how strong he once was—“the workout king” who could lift more than 200 pounds. Yet she insisted on framing the day as a celebration. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning,” she said. “He lived well. He ran his race. He has received his crown.”
      Blake’s daughter, Macy, offered one of the service’s most tender tributes. “My father was a pastor, but more than that, he was a gentle man with a truly kind heart,” she said. “He didn’t preach about God. He lived a holy life every single day.” Through tears and laughter, she remembered his playful spirit, his contagious laugh and the closeness they shared. “He was my best friend,” she said. “I thank God for every single moment I had with him.”
      Born into one of Los Angeles’ most prominent faith families, Blake was the youngest son of Bishop Charles Blake, Sr. He preached his first sermon at 16 and became a licensed minister in 1988. After years of service at West Angeles, he was appointed senior pastor of Palm Lane Church of God in Christ in 2024. When he arrived, the congregation numbered about 40. Under his leadership, it more than tripled.
      Pastor Jeffrey Lewis spoke as a lifelong friend. “Yes, he was the presiding bishop’s son,” Lewis said, “but Larry was always the same. He treated everybody like they were his best friend.” He recalled Blake’s appointment to Palm Lane and how his first priority was ensuring Pastor Emeritus Ray Hawkins was well cared for. Within months, Lewis said, Blake transformed Palm Lane into one of the fastest-growing churches in the area. “He showed all of us how a saint is really supposed to handle affliction,” Lewis added, remembering how Blake once turned a prayer service held for him into a prayer for others.
      Bishop Joe Ealy, Prelate of the Southern California First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction described Blake as “unique” and “one of a kind,” noting how he traveled the world alongside his father, Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., yet never lost his humility. “He walked among kings and ambassadors, but never lost the common touch,” Ealy said. “He could celebrate others.” He spoke of Blake’s dream to pastor a packed church that transformed its community. “That’s why we’re here today,” Ealy declared in his eulogy. “Because he had an impact.”
      Blake preached a gospel forged by lived experience. He spoke candidly about redemption and transformation, often warning, “Normal will kill you,” urging believers to pursue purpose rather than conformity. “If every preacher disappeared,” he once said, “I would still be doing this because of what God did for me.”
      That conviction carried him through illness and into legacy. He is remembered as a devoted husband, loving father of three, doting grandfather, loyal son and pastor who believed no one was beyond redemption. As the sanctuary stood to its feet in song and applause, it was clear that Lawrence Champion Blake’s life was not defined by the length of his years, but by the depth of the Blake family’s enduring impact.