Prayers rise like incense here. You are standing before the United House of Prayer For All People. It stands as a testament to faith and community. Bishop C. M. Grace, also known as Sweet Daddy Grace, founded this church. He established it on the teachings of Jesus Christ. The United House of Prayer For All People embraces all people. It welcomes everyone regardless of race, creed, or color.
Marcelino Manuel da Graca was born in Cape Verde in 1884. He later became known as Bishop Charles Emmanuel Grace. After receiving a vision, he came to America. He arrived in 1903 and started his ministry. Grace built the first House of Prayer in 1919. It was located in West Wareham Massachusetts.
The United House of Prayer For All People grew. It established branches in other locations. These included Charlotte and Newark. Grace traveled extensively. He preached throughout America in the 1920s and 1930s. His integrated congregations were ahead of their time. This was before the Civil Rights Movement.
The name has a biblical meaning. The first part comes from Isaiah 56:7. God says, “Mine house shall be called a house of prayer for all people”. The latter part comes from Acts and Ephesians. It discusses Christian salvation. It is built on a cornerstone or rock. This is believed to be the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Sweet Daddy Grace was a controversial figure. He emphasized one-man leadership. He believed God used only one man at a time. Some criticized his teachings. One statement attributed to him caused debate. It suggested salvation was only through Grace. Interpretations varied. Some thought Grace claimed to be God. Others saw him as an intermediary.
Offerings went directly to Grace. He invested in products. These included soap, tea, and magazines. This helped fund the church’s mission. After Grace’s death in 1960, Bishop W. McCollough succeeded him. McCollough launched a building program. It focused on affordable housing.
Bishop McCollough’s building programs had a unique feature. All structures were fully paid for upon dedication. He also established the McCollough Scholarship Fund. This supported higher education. Bishop S.C. Madison followed McCollough in 1991. He continued the work of renovation and construction. Bishop C. M. Bailey then became the leader in 2008. Bishop A. D. Cunningham was elected in 2023.
The United House of Prayer has a specific structure. It includes the bishop, elders, and ministers. The General Assembly can amend rules. It can also fill vacancies. The General Council protects the organization. It ensures compliance with the laws. The bishop selects and supervises ministers. He also serves as trustee of church property.
Today, the United House of Prayer For All People continues its mission. It offers daily and Sunday worship services. These include sunrise services and Sunday school. It supports its members and communities. The United House of Prayer makes a positive difference. It stands as a beacon of faith. It shows that all are welcome.