In 1940 a group of devout individuals began their spiritual journey. They gathered for prayer at 1167 Simpson Road NW Atlanta. Deacon Hubert A Willis Sr and Mother Laura Willis opened their home. Mother Hattie Helen Burton the first church mother was also present. This marked the humble beginnings of the First Church of God in Christ.
The First Church of God in Christ quickly outgrew its initial meeting place. On July 2 1940 the congregation made a down payment on a building at 591 Jones Avenue NW Atlanta. Several pastors provided guidance during the early years.
In 1944 Bishop Riley F Williams appointed Elder Henry H Ingram. Under Elder Ingram’s leadership the church underwent renovations. The sanctuary was enlarged. The dedication of the new sanctuary took place on the first Sunday of July 1945. This expansion reflected the growing community of faith.
Elder Ingram suggested that Elder George Briley be appointed pastor. On September 6 1946 Elder Briley accepted the role. This appointment merged his Westside Mission congregation with the Jones Avenue Church. This merger united a single congregation. The merger also revealed deep roots tracing back to the early twentieth-century Pentecostal-Holiness movement. Elder Briley had led Westside Mission since he was sixteen. He essentially served one congregation for over 46 years.
In 1955 a Fellowship Hall was added to the church property. Deacon O T Bell Sr purchased the adjacent land and generously donated it. Deacon Curtis Trice skillfully constructed the hall. It included a dining room classrooms and a pastor’s office. The First Church of God in Christ continued to expand its influence.
By 1971 the congregation outgrew the Jones Avenue location. Elder Briley relocated the church to 1137 Avon Avenue SW Atlanta. In August 1972 the new church home was dedicated. This move was a testament to the church’s enduring growth and evolving needs.
On June 18 1978 the name was changed to Cathedral of Faith. The church’s reach expanded through radio broadcasts. It became a beacon of faith impacting not only Atlanta but also Africa the Caribbean Western Europe and Asia. Missionary work received support in Haiti Kenya and other nations. The church offered a food pantry men’s shelter prison ministry nursing home ministry and substance abuse ministry. Membership soared to over 3000.
The First Church of God in Christ experienced changes in leadership over the years. Presiding Bishop Chandler D Owens Pastor Arthur F Mosley and others guided the congregation. Each leader contributed to the church’s ongoing growth and spiritual journey. Through renovations community outreach and international missions the First Church of God in Christ has left an indelible mark on Atlanta and beyond. The story of the First Church of God in Christ stands as a powerful testament to faith perseverance and the enduring power of community.