Canon H. Randolph Moore, 91

The Rev. Canon H. Randolph Moore, rector-emeritus of St. Philip the Evangelist Episcopal Church and a leading presence in Los Angeles religious circles for decades, died Tuesday in his Los Angeles home.

He was 91. His wife, Lora, said he apparently died while on his knees praying.

Born in Georgia, Moore came to Los Angeles in 1934 as vicar of St. Philip’s and 10 years later became the congregation’s first rector after leading the church--founded in 1908--to a debt-free status. He retired in 1971 and later was named rector-emeritus.

In 1963, he was named a lifetime canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral by Bishop Francis Eric Bloy for his “outstanding leadership of St. Philip’s Parish and his long and faithful service to the diocese and its bishops.” Moore was believed to be the first black cleric in the West ever granted the title, which is awarded to very few.

Moore was a graduate of Oberlin College and USC who received a doctorate of divinity degree in Liberia in 1966. He was ordained in 1925 in Atlanta.

After retiring, Moore taught history and theology at the Episcopal Theological School in Claremont, becoming a trustee in 1965.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, Judge H. Randolph Moore Jr. of the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court and a daughter, Leonora Prince of Claremont.

A funeral service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at St. Philip Church, 801 E. 28th St., Los Angeles.