HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-2026 Special Proclamation Commemorating and Honoring the 54th Year Church Anniversary of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ
SPECIAL PROCLAMATION NO. 05-2026
“Answering the Call”
Acts 16:9-10
God calls, God equips, and God sustains
A SPECIAL PROCLAMATION AWARDED BY SOUTH BEND COMMON
COUNCIL MEMBER KAREN L. WHITE, COMMEMORATING AND
HONORING THE 54TH YEAR CHURCH ANNIVERSARY OF PENTECOSTAL
CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ moves forward
with gratitude, purpose, and renewed commitment. Ready to
continue the work, ready to serve the community, and ready to
answer the call of God for the next generation.
Whereas, Pentecostal Church of God in Christ was organized in October 1972 in the home of Elder
and Sister Donald L. Alford, Sr. The name of the church was taken from the late Bishop J. O.
Patterson’s church name, who at the time was the Presiding Bishop of the Churches of God in
Christ. Bishop Patterson was also a funeral director and Pastor Alford received inspiration from
him; and
Whereas, at the inception of the church, there were thirteen (13) members: Elder Alford, Sister
Alford, Donald Alford, Jr., Cecilia Alford, the late Deacon Odessa and Mother Mable Alford, the
late Deacon Wallace and Mother Mary Harold, Sister Janice Marable, Steven Marable, Michael
Marable, Richard Marable, and Minister Robert Munlin, who was responsible for finding a church
building. The old Z. B. Falcon Club was purchased shortly after the founding of the church which
was located at 1107 Western Avenue; and
Whereas, what began as a small gathering of believers soon blossomed into a thriving Congregation.
The early members were united by a shared believe that God would provide, and they labored with
dedication and sacrifice. Their faith was not in buildings or numbers, but in the God who had called
them to work; and
Whereas, while the membership continued to expand, the visionary leader, Bishop Donald Alford,
Sr. saw the need for a larger edifice and land across the street from the old church building was
purchased; and
Whereas, as the ministry flourished, God also elevated their leader to District Superintendent and
in 2006, he was consecrated Prelate of the fourth (4th) Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Indiana North
Central. Pentecostal Cathedral is now the Jurisdictional Headquarters; and
Whereas, Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ was birthed on March 16, 1997 through
the vision and unwavering faith of Bishop Donald L. Alford Sr. What began as a God given
assignment grew into a thriving ministry rooted in holiness, prayer, and the power of the Holy
Spirit. Bishop Alford stepped out not with great resources, but with great faith, trusting that if God
called him to the work, God would sustain it; and
Whereas, through challenges, victories, and seasons of growth, the church stood firm because it was
founded on the unshakable belief that God is faithful to perform what He promises. Bishop
Alford’s leadership, dedication, and obedience laid a foundation that continues to shape the
ministry today; and
Whereas, Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ stands today as a living testimony of what
God can accomplish through faith, obedience, and unwavering commitment to His call. The church
was founded by Bishop Donald L. Alford Sr., a man who heard the voice of God and boldly
stepped out to fulfill the assignment placed upon his life. With a heart full of vision and a spirit
anchored in prayer, Bishop Alford planted the seeds of a ministry that would grow to impact
generations; and
Whereas, Pentecostal Cathedral Church of God in Christ is a ministry with many gifts, many hands,
and one (1) purpose, to reach souls and transform lives. Over the years, the church has established
numerous ministries that serve people of every age and walk of life from spiritual growth to
community outreach.
Now, Therefore, be it publicly and proudly Proclaimed as follows:
SECTION I. The South Bend Common Council proudly commemorates and celebrates the fifty-
fourth (54th) Anniversary of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ.
SECTION II. We look forward to 2027 and celebrating the Church’s next year Anniversary.
honoring the past while looking ahead to the future.
SECTION III. We eagerly await God’s plans for the Church during its next year.
Signed and Approved this 26th Day of April 2026 in the City of South Bend,
County of St. Joseph, in the State of Indiana.
______________________________ ______________________________
Canneth Lee, Council President & Ophelia Gooden-Rodgers, 2nd District
1st District Representative Representative
South Bend Common Council South Bend Common Council
______________________________ ______________________________
Sharon McBride, 3rd District Troy Warner, 4th District
Representative Representative
South Bend Common Council South Bend Common Council
______________________________ ______________________________
Sherry Bolden-Simpson, 5th District Sheila Niezgodski, Vice President &
Representative 6th District Representative
South Bend Common Council South Bend Common Council
______________________________ ______________________________
Rachel Tomas Morgan, At-Large Karen L. White, At-Large Council
Council Representative Representative
South Bend Common Council South Bend Common Council
______________________________
Dr. Oliver Davis, At-Large Council
Representative
South Bend Common Council