Morning Star Christian Church Seeks New Pastor After Leader’s 15-Year Tenure

Morning Star Christian Church, a Pasadena congregation founded more than seven decades ago by eight members meeting on Mary Street, is searching for a new full-time pastor following the announced retirement of W. Harrison Trotter, Ph.D., who has led the church for 15 years.

The church, which describes itself as one of Pasadena’s oldest historically Black community congregations, has formed a search committee under its Board of Trustees to find Trotter’s successor, according to a church announcement. Morning Star has been continuously incorporated in the city since 1958, the announcement said.

“We are seeking a full-time pastor who is called by God and equipped to preach and teach the word of God effectively,” said Trustee Chairperson Brenda Johnson.

Trotter’s Pasadena-based family has been affiliated with Morning Star for 55 years, according to the church. Before becoming senior pastor, he served the congregation as associate minister, youth minister coordinator, Bible study teacher, and member of the Men’s Chorus, according to the church’s website.

Trotter, a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam, received the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star for Bravery, and the Army Commendation Medal with “V” Device, according to his biography on the church’s website. He worked 28 years at the 7-Up Bottling Company before retiring to go into business with his wife, First Lady Ranza Trotter, according to the biography. The couple have owned childcare and educational facilities in the Los Angeles area, the website said.

He was licensed and ordained in 1995 by the late Rev. Charles Belcher at Upper Room Christian Church of Los Angeles, according to his biography. He holds a doctorate in theology from Bible Believers Christian College and Seminary and attended Pasadena City College and UCLA Anderson School of Business Management, the biography said.

During Trotter’s tenure, the church revitalized its Youth Department to include programs such as Sunday On the Steps, Praise Dance, Children’s Church, and Gospel Rap, according to the website. The church’s 501(c)(3) status enabled a partnership with Youth Build, a program where young people work in construction while earning a high school diploma, according to the church.

Rev. M.L. Robinson started Morning Star as a mission in May 1954, consulting with local pastors including Rev. J.W. Coleman, Rev. Hockenbull, Rev. Marvin T. Robinson, and Rev. F.S. Stevens, according to the church’s website. The church held its first worship service in November 1954, according to its website.

Morning Star holds Sunday services at 10 a.m. The church entrance is at 980 E. Rio Grande Street, Pasadena. Applications for the pastoral position can be submitted online at morningstarchristianchurch.org, by email, or by mail to Morning Star Christian Church, 1416 North Mentor Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91104. The church phone number is (626) 794-4875.

“The greatest gift I have ever received is having Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of my life,” Trotter said on the church’s website. “He has created an incredible plan for my life, which has led me to the position of Senior Pastor of Morning Star Christian Church, the Star of Pasadena.”