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The Cathedral of Hope Inc

Our History

Legacy Born in Faith: The History of The Cathedral of Hope Inc.

In October of 1951, a visionary servant of God, the late Reverend Curtis J. Chambers, answered the divine call to establish a place where weary souls could find refuge, restoration, and renewal. Alongside his devoted wife, their children, and fourteen faithful believers, Reverend Chambers opened his home as sacred ground, organizing what would become Upper Room Baptist Church—a ministry birthed in prayer, consecrated by faith, and fueled by an unwavering belief in God’s promise.

The church was officially incorporated in 1952 and began sharing worship space at 595 Quincy Street in Brooklyn, New York. Within one year, the small yet fervent congregation experienced remarkable growth, affirming that God’s hand was undeniably upon this emerging work. In 1953, Upper Room Baptist Church acquired its first permanent property at 1616 Fulton Street. There, the church flourished spiritually and numerically until once again the need arose for a larger facility.

Trusting God through a lengthy and challenging search, the congregation witnessed another miracle in March of 1963, when Upper Room moved into an unoccupied synagogue located at the corner of Van Buren Street and Sumner Avenue (now Marcus Garvey Boulevard). The property was purchased from Congregation Gates of Prayer and mortgaged by the Charles M. Dorfman Organization—marking a pivotal milestone in the church’s journey.

Reverend Chambers’ vision was simple yet profound: to establish a beacon of light on a hill, a spiritual refuge where men and women could find safety from life’s storms. He fulfilled that calling with excellence until his untimely passing in 1968. Though his transition left a deep void, the foundation he laid proved unshakeable.

From 1968 to 1971, Reverend Neil Price served faithfully as Interim Pastor, followed by Reverend George Clark from 1971 to July of 1972. In August of 1971, Reverend Herbert B. Jones was appointed Interim Pastor and, on March 9, 1973, was officially elected as the second Pastor of Upper Room Baptist Church. At the time of his installation, membership had declined to approximately forty-five parishioners. Yet, through steady leadership, sound teaching, and spiritual consistency, the congregation rebounded and grew to 278 members by July of 1976.

After fifteen years of devoted service, Reverend Jones relocated in 1987. Once again, God proved Himself faithful. In July of 1988, the Reverend William George Bennett was elected as the third Pastor of Upper Room Baptist Church.

Pastor Bennett embraced and advanced the original vision of Reverend Chambers, establishing the Upper Room Human Service Agency (URHSA) as the umbrella organization for the church’s expanding community-based initiatives. In 1993, under his administration, Upper Room became an affiliate of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship. That same year, Pastor Bennett was installed as District Overseer of the Judah District, later receiving episcopal designation and consecration as State Bishop for Metro and Western New York.

Under Bishop Bennett’s leadership, Upper Room Baptist Church became known as one of Brooklyn’s most progressive, Spirit-filled Baptist congregations. From vibrant Saturday Night Musicals to powerful Sunday morning worship experiences at 180 Van Buren Street, the ministry thrived in praise, teaching, and outreach. After twenty-one years of fruitful pastoral service, Bishop William George Bennett embraced retirement in December of 2021 as Senior Pastor and Chairman of the Board.

The enduring legacy of Reverend Curtis J. Chambers and the unfolding destiny of the church continue under the anointed leadership of Dr. J. Carl Henderson, who was officially installed on June 25, 2022, as the fourth Pastor and Chairman of the Board. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Dr. Henderson led the congregation into a new season with a prophetic identity, and the church was renamed The Cathedral of Hope Inc.

Today, The Cathedral of Hope Inc. stands on the threshold of a multi-million-dollar redevelopment vision, including the acquisition of a new, state-of-the-art worship facility. The ministry remains steadfast in its mission to Touch, Teach, and Transform Lives, while maintaining a strong commitment to community development, extreme evangelism, and compassionate outreach.

The Cathedral of Hope Inc. continues to grow by leaps and bounds—marching toward greater victory, anchored in prayer, ignited by praise, and aligned with God’s divine purpose. Still true to its founding vision, the church remains a beacon of light on a hill, offering hope, healing, and salvation to all who seek refuge from life’s storms.