Citadel of Praise

In a city yearning for hope, the Citadel of Praise stands tall. The Citadel of Praise opened its doors in July 2005. It was the culmination of Pastor Spencer T. Ellis’s vision. He was guided by a verse from Jeremiah: “Today I have made you a fortified city {Citadel}, an iron pillar and a bronze wall.” The name, Citadel of Praise, resonated with the idea of a spiritual refuge. Over 1500 people attended the first service, including Detroit’s then-mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick. He expressed the city’s anticipation for the church’s positive impact. The Citadel of Praise began with over 200 members. For the first year, they held services at Bailey Cathedral Church of God in Christ every Sunday at 3:00 pm. The Citadel of Praise found its permanent home in September 2006. They purchased a five-acre property with four buildings. These included a 700-seat church, an administration building, an elementary school, and a former convalescent home. This was a significant step. The Citadel of Praise was established in a city facing economic hardship. Detroit was ranked the “poorest city” in America in 2007, with over 30% of its residents living in poverty. The Citadel of Praise aimed to be a source of strength and revitalization for the community. Within ten years, the church’s membership grew to over 2200 people. Under Pastor Ellis’s leadership, the Citadel of Praise continues to be a beacon of hope. It strives to make a difference in Detroit by promoting spiritual growth and community development.