What started with 289 people is now the Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church. It stands as a beacon of faith in the community. Let’s walk through its history together.
In November 1989, the Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church was born. Reverend Albert Roy Tibbs Jr. led the charge. The first meeting took place at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Reverend Oveal Walker III was the pastor there.
That night, 289 people united. They wanted to form a fellowship. They desired to worship together. Also they wanted to offer leadership in the community. The church lacked its own building initially. The Community Funeral Chapel Facility on East Lucas provided a temporary home. Mrs. JoAnn Comeaux allowed this arrangement. It lasted until the church secured its own building. The first worship service occurred on November 19, 1989.
A second meeting happened at the Community Funeral Chapel. Reverend R. D. Carrington attended. He was the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church. He was also Moderator of the Eastern Progressive District Association. Reverend Oveal Walker III also attended. He was Moderator of Trinity Valley District Association. Basic Baptist polity was observed. The Resolution of Organization was read and adopted. All 289 believers in Jesus Christ signed the charter. They officially established the Cathedral of Faith.
The members worshipped at the Community Funeral Chapel briefly. This was from November 19, 1989, to February 4, 1990. The dedication of its members made the short duration possible. On February 11, 1990, the church moved. Its new location was 1180 Washington Boulevard, Beaumont, Texas. Properties around the church were purchased. They served the congregation and community. This progressive move characterized the church from its start.
October 18, 1993 marked a change. Pastor Tibbs announced his resignation. He wanted to establish another ministry. The church had flourished by this time. It experienced a large influx of people. Pastor Tibbs helped form a Pastoral Search Committee. He recommended Reverend Delbert Allen Mack Sr. The church hoped he would lead them. After one meeting and his sermons, it was clear. His qualifications and persona were outstanding. The transition was smooth. The church never went without a pastor for a single day. Pastor Mack assumed the pastorate on January 7, 1994. His installation occurred on April 10, 1994. He became the church’s second pastor.
Under Pastor Mack’s leadership, the Cathedral of Faith Church grew. This happened in every area of ministry. Pastor Mack introduced the staff ministry concept. He hired full-time employees. They assisted with ministerial and administrative duties. This helped the church’s daily operations.
The first Sunday in August of 1999 was special. The congregation marched into their new Family Life Center. This 17,000 square foot space housed worship services. It also hosted conferences and banquets. Workshops, business expos and youth events also occurred there. Recreational activities, luncheons, and concerts took place too.
Less than a year later, God provided another blessing. The Cathedral of Faith Christian Training Center was erected. It stood between the Family Life Center and the Recreational Area. The Baseball Diamond was nearby. This 22,000 square foot facility had a commercial kitchen. Children’s Church, a nursery and a computer lab were included. Christian education classes also took place there. The facilities served the community as well. Beaumont Independent School District GED classes were hosted. ITC Seminary classes were also held there.
The parking lots and connecting foyer were completed. The vision of Pastor Mack continued. The building of the sanctuary was the third and final phase. The Annex Building was purchased and remodeled. Formerly Mercy Funeral Home, it now houses a media center. A worship chapel, prayer chapel, offices, and storage rooms were added. The Community Discount Store became a fellowship hall. An addition was built for outreach ministries. More land was purchased for future growth.
January 4, 2009, brought the induction of the beautiful Sanctuary. At approximately 38,000 square feet, it was built for growth. The addition expanded the campus to 90,000 square feet.
Pastor Mack leads the church to maximize its potential in Christ. He wants every member to identify and use their gifts. The Equipping Ministry was founded. It facilitates growth and membership care.
Currently, the Cathedral of Faith offers 42 ministries. They seek to produce the whole-person concept. Transformation through God’s Word continues into the 21st Century. The Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith. It also exemplifies community and dedication.