United House of Prayer for All People

The United House of Prayer for All People is a Church founded from the Pentecostal movement by Charles Manuel Grace (Marcelino Manuel da Graca) (1882?-1960), who proclaimed himself as "Bishop" in 1919. Marcelino Manuel da Graca was born in Brava Verde in the Cape Verde Islands. C. M. Grace was known as Sweet Daddy Grace. Following his death in 1960, Walter McCollough assumed the position of Bishop. He died in 1991 after which the current Bishop S.C. Madison assumed the role of Church leader. In 1919 Bishop Grace built the first United House of Prayer For All People in West Wareham, Massachusetts, and incorporated the United House of Prayer for All People in Washington, D.C. in 1927. As of 2007, the United House of Prayer for All People has over 100 places of worship in 23 states. The National Headquarters for the church is located in Washington, D.C. at 601 M St., N.W. As seen on the Church's website the purpose of the organization is " . . . to establish maintain and perpetuate the doctrine of Christianity and the Apostolic Faith throughout the world among all people; To erect and maintain houses of prayer and worship where all people may gather for prayer and to worship the Almighty God in spirit and in truth, irrespective of denomination or creed, and to maintain the Apostolic Faith of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." Grace's theology was based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Old Testament, as well as the power of the Holy Ghost. Grace was a charismatic leader, known for his flamboyant style. Bishop Walter McCullough succeeded Grace. Under his leadership, the church built low-rent housing projects throughout the city, including McCullough Canaanland Apartments, Paradise Gardens, and McCullough Haven for senior citizens, all in the Shaw neighborhood.

From the description of United House of Prayer for All People collection, 1944-1955. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 156908030