BISHOP LEROY BAILEY, JR., PRO-FAMILY HERO
March 7th, 2006 by Peter
Sunday’s service was the first in a month of weekly tributes to mark Bailey’s 35th pastoral anniversary…
First Cathedral – one of the largest, if not the largest, mega-church in New England – has grown from a congregation of about 5,000 in 1999 to about 11,000 in 2005. Hundreds of cars fill the parking lot on a typical Sunday, and several buses bring members in from Hartford. The expansive sanctuary has a state-of-the-art sound system and seats 3,000 in plush theater-style seats. Television screens throughout the hall project images of the altar and pulpit…
Bishop Edward Stephens Jr. says he has followed in Bailey’s footsteps since the day he first heard him preach at a revival more than a decade ago.
“I was just enamored by his charisma, his ability,” said Stephens, who is among a half-dozen pastors who are scheduled to visit and preach at First Cathedral this month in Bailey’s honor. “Everything is an extension of him, and his vision.”
FIC congratulates Bishop Bailey as he celebrates 35 years of faithful service to God and the people of Connecticut.
