After 38 years of existence and 19 years in it’s current location, the Palace of Peace Church was able to liquidate its debt to save on interest and ultimately transfer funds to missionary outreach. By paying off the mortgage three years ahead of schedule, the church can better share the gospel and tell the good news of salvation, explains interim pastor Elder Robert L. Lister.
On June 23, 1996, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Palace of Peace. Under the pastoral direction of Pastor Willie Wilson the church’s foundation was poured and the framing began. During this time Elder Pettway was a valuable asset as the church’s next contractor. Pastor Bryan Mann continued the pastoral leadership to bring the church to its first worship service on June 6, 1998. The south wing was finished under Pastor Mann. The north wing, community service room, kitchen and fellowship hall were finished under Pastor Michael B. Kelly, III in 2005. The Palace of Peace members obtained full occupancy in 2007. Pastor Melvyn W. Garfield Jr. led the church from 2007 to 2009 followed by Pastor Philip P. Baptiste.
Charter members, Elder James and Minne Rowe, have been at Palace of Peace since its inception in 1977. As pioneers of the Palace of Peace Church, the Rowes hasten to say that the seed was planted by Palace’s mother church, Claremont Church in Pueblo, Colorado—supporting a tent effort at Institute and Fountain Boulevard, conducted by evangelist Elder Gil Webb. The beauty in this event was the bond of the two churches, says Pastor Livingston Pogson of Claremont.
What inspired the members after the mortgage burning ceremony was the one piece of paper that did not burn on its own that read “Paid In Full.” This is what Jesus has done for us!
While the conference is searching for a new pastor, Elder Lister, a minister of 47 quality years of experience in pastoral and administrative skills including financial planning, has led us to the retirement of our mortgage. We give all praise to God for this milestone.
