OUR CHURCH
HISTORY
The first official meeting was held September 22nd, 1984 at the home of Pastors Preston and Jessie Grimes. Pastor Preston let us know that the name of our church would be Holy Ghost Cathedral Independent Church. He read the church constitution in our hearing at this meeting and the following officers were elected: Brother James Robinson (Chairman of Trustee Board), Sister Jessie Grimes (Church Treasure), Sister Patricia Robinson (Financial Secretary) and Sister Dorothy Carroll (Church Clerk). Pastor Preston let us know that tithes and offerings would be our means of sustaining the church. A second meeting was held at the home of Pastors Preston and Jessie in which Pastor Preston informed us that he was in the process of attaining the condemned Elliott Memorial Church at 322 East Nelson Street in Mount Olive, NC as our place of worship. In addition, Lori Ann Jones was elected Sunday School Secretary and Christine Jones was named the Sunday School Treasure at this meeting. Pastor Preston moved forward with hiring a licensed contractor to renovate Elliott Memorial - future Holy Ghost Cathedral. The LORD blessed Holy Ghost Cathedral with all the furniture paid full before the building was obtained and renovated. The inaugural worship service was held Sunday - October 21st, 1984. Our inaugural revival was Monday night November 26th, 1984.
Holy Ghost Cathedral's first musician was pianist Patrice Fredrick. Soon after Dyrell Oates (Keyboardist), Corey Artis (Drummer) and Paul Artis (Drummer) were added. The first deacon, Deacon John Carroll, was ordained on Sunday - October 6th, 1985, and our first church mothers were brought forth on Sunday - June 5th 1988. Those church mothers were Christine Jones, Doris Artis, Christine Fredrick, Elizabeth Davis and Dorothy Pearsall. Minister Joan King and Minister Shirley Pigford were the first ministers licensed by Pastor Preston on Sunday - June 2nd, 1985.
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Our first church trip was on August 17th 1985 to render service in Stuart Florida for Evangelist Grover Dozer. The second church trip was July 6th, 1986 to render service at Brooklyn Tabernacle Deliverance Center - Brooklyn, New York for Dr. C.R. Johnson.
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The Lord added to the congregation rapidly over a two year period. And our church leadership began looking for a larger location with adequate parking. We were blessed to purchase our second sanctuary at 218 East Maple Street - Mount Olive, NC. The church dedication was held on Sunday - December 7th, 1986.
Pastors Preston and Jessie were fortunate to have two great mentors, ministry partners and friends to provide wisdom and insight in the birthing of Holy Ghost Cathedral. These mentors and friends were Drs. C.R. and Ruby Johnson of Brooklyn Tabernacle of Deliverance of Brooklyn, New York. They loved supporting Holy Ghost Cathedral in whatever way they could. This man and woman of God committed to donating the full amount to construct a sign at the new Maple Street church location. Unfortunately, Dr. C.R. Johnson would transition on August 12th, 1987 before he could see the sign construction come to fruition. But his wife would ensure their desire was fulfilled. So the newly constructed church sign was dedicated on Sunday - November 29th, 1987 with Dr. Ruby Johnson present. Dr. Ruby would transition to be with the Lord on January 19th, 1993.
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God continued to bless and grow the congregation at the Maple Street location. And yet again, the need increased for a larger sanctuary and adequate parking. By divine providence, an amazing proposition was presented to Pastor Preston and the Holy Ghost Cathedral Board of Trustees to purchase 12 acres of land at 812 East James Street - Mount Olive, NC. This land housed the abandoned Young Squire Manufacturing plant. The church leadership and congregation decided to move forward with purchasing the property and eventually had the manufacturing plant demolished. A few years later Holy Ghost Cathedral would break ground on building a new edifice which would consist of the sanctuary, class rooms, cafeteria and offices. The triumphant church dedication was held on Sunday - April 12th, 2009. God is faithful!
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Holy Ghost Cathedral has many precious members and friends that have gone to be with the Lord throughout the years. And we would not be where we are without their dedication and faithfulness. But there is a special individual that made an indelible impact in the ministry of Holy Ghost Cathedral. That individual is our Co-Founder and Co-Pastor Jessie Grimes, which transitioned on January 23rd, 2020 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her commitment, faith, servitude and dedication was unmatched. She loved the people of God and wanted to see the church flourish in the things of God. We will forever be grateful for this woman of God and her tenacious spirit.
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After serving and dedicating much of his life to ministry - Apostle Preston Grimes decided to retire in October 2023 after serving 39 years as pastor and founder of Holy Ghost Cathedral. Much progress was made under his leadership. There has been great impact of the ministry that God placed in him. And not only at Holy Ghost Cathedral - but in the Town of Mount Olive and surrounding areas. So on Sunday, October 15th, 2023, Apostle Preston Grimes passed the baton to his youngest son Pastor Reginald Grimes. Now the legacy and ministry vision of Holy Ghost Cathedral continues under the leadership of Pastor Reginald Grimes, Lady Safonia Grimes and the Holy Ghost Cathedral Board of Trustees.
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We will move forward "Living Submitted Lives, While Worshiping In Truth and Serving With Excellence!"
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