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Lamont Higginbottom to Leave Second Baptist Church
As pastor Lamont Higginbottom begins his final month at Second Baptist Church, he's excited for his new job leading a congregation outside Chicago, but he can't help but find memories everywhere.
"My daughter was literally raised in this church," he said with a laugh, thinking back on his time in Erie.
He says in seven years here, he's seen the worst but also the best of Erie, a community that although flawed has a tremendous capacity for compassion.
"I've watched politicians, religious leaders, community leaders stand together, even those who don't always agree politically to make a difference," he said. "I learned how close knit this community is and how loving this community can be."
But Higginbottom says he's seen far too much pain, with Second Baptist hosting funerals for everyone from the child victims of the Harris Daycare fire to 7-year-old Antonio Yarger, a child shot in the head while playing outside.
He's pushed to end gun violence as the city sees a spike in youth crime.
"To hear the cry and the scream of a mother who lost a child is a sound that you will never forget," he said. "But then, to see something that is so important become politicized is sickening."
As Chicago awaits, Higginbottom leaves with hope: hope for the church, hope for his future and hope that his legacy won't soon be forgotten.
"I just hope that I left a mark and that I moved the needle forward at least a little bit,” he said.
Higginbottom's last day here will be May 28th. Second Baptist will begin looking for a new pastor, forming a committee to find the right candidate.