The House of God

On a crisp November day in 1959, a small but determined group gathered in a humble basement on Quincy Street. This marked the birth of The House of God in Detroit. Seven souls, led by Bishop Bernard Robert McCrary and his wife Gelene, held the first service. They called their fledgling church the House of Jacob. Among the first members were Elder Charlie Wingate Sr., the first deacon, and his wife, Martha. The official dedication, officiated by Bishop Samuel Nathan Hancock, took place on December 1, 1959. The House of Jacob quickly outgrew its basement beginnings. Within nine months, they acquired a building on Fairfield Street in June 1961. This move prompted a significant change. Bishop McCrary felt a calling to rename the church, emphasizing God’s central role. The church became The Pentecostal House of God. Their dedicated door-to-door witnessing led to remarkable growth. The Pentecostal House of God reached a milestone in April 1976. They fully paid off the land contract for the church. The celebration continued in June with the burning of the mortgage. All church buses were also paid off, and new carpet was installed. These achievements were accomplished entirely through cash transactions, a testament to their dedication and financial prudence. Continued growth led to another opportunity in November 1978. The House of God purchased a second building on Hubbell Street in Detroit. Bishop McCrary continued to lead the church until his passing in September 1985. Foreseeing God’s plan, he ordained Quintin Wingate, Michael Thomas, and John Rhodes to continue his work. Elder Quintin W. Wingate assumed leadership of The House of God in October 1985. Having served in nearly every capacity within the church, Pastor Wingate was well-prepared. His dedication and hard work were evident in everything he did. Pastor Wingate’s leadership propelled The House of God to new heights. In 1988, he was ordained District Elder of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith, 5th Episcopal District. He was also instrumental in organizing the Midwest Bible College and served on the Executive Board of Bishops. The House of God continued its remarkable journey, culminating in the construction of a new church and Urban Life Center in 2004. This new building, located on W. Warren, marked over 60 years of service to the Detroit community. The Urban Life Center stands as a testament to The House of God’s commitment to community development and family support. The House of God’s legacy is one of faith, dedication, and community service. From a small gathering in a basement to a vibrant community center, its story is deeply woven into the fabric of Detroit.