The Center of Praise Ministries was conceptualized from the visionary directive given to our founder and visionary, Bishop Parnell M. Lovelace, Jr. While a student at Oral Roberts University, Bishop Lovelace was given the mandate to begin a ministry in his native home of Sacramento, California. The ministry would serve to embrace people of all backgrounds with the message of unconditional love and abundant grace. Bishop Lovelace, upon returning to Sacramento, continued serving in his home congregation for 3 1/2 years prior to being released under the leadership of the late District Elder Robert B. Holman, Sr.

Center of Praise Ministries had its first organizational meeting on October 17, 1989 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy C. Jones (Evelyn). The church met in various hotels until acquiring facilities on Investment Circle in Rancho Cordova, which was purchased in 1995.

The 10,000 sq. foot mission-centered complex served as the hub for those who gathered for weekly worship services and studies.

In January 2003 a beautiful historic 25,000 Sq. foot edifice was purchased. "The Cathedral" is located in the heart of downtown Sacramento at 1228 23rd Street at Capitol Ave. The Cathedral is accessible by Regional Transit Light Rail and Bus Line 36.

Our Bishop, who serves as a prolific expositor and teacher of God's Word, also sought to implement the importance of praise and worship as a means of communion with God and fellowship with other believers.

Center of Praise is non-denominational; evangelistic in spirit; diverse in culture and ethnicity; embracing the traditional and contemporary forms of worship (music and the fine arts); committed to the sacraments of the church; progressive in thought, and deliberate in entrepreneurial pursuits. There is an expressed effort to warmly welcome and care for those from a non-church attending background.

Many have expressed their appreciation for the warmth, humor, and vibrant presentation that is maintained throughout the outreach of COP. Many opportunities of ministry and service are available to all attendees. Several events are held annually to support the mission and purpose of COP and the community. They include:

• Community Christmas Events
• Praise and Worship Conference
• Men and Women's Ministry Retreats
• Youth Conference
• Children's Conference
• Singles Retreat
• Married Couples Advance
• Servant Leaders Advance
• Teaching Church Conference
• Joint Services with our affiliated churches

Our Elders:

Joseph L. Slade
Pastoral Care

Dr. Ronn Elmore
Marriage, Family and Singles

Pastors Alex and Liz Vaiz
Centro de Alabanza (Center of Praise Spanish Celebration)

Marcus T. Piper
Corporate Secretary and Team Assimilation

Dorsey Griffin
Administration and Operations Manager

Wayne Kirkling
Ministry of Helps

Beverly Glaze
Spiritual Formation

Samuel Brown-Dawson
Spiritual Foundation

Our Board of Directors Team:

Marcus T. Piper
Wayne Kirkling
Michael Wall
Dorsey Griffin
Gregory Briscoe
Freddie Lewis

Our Administrative Team:

Marcus T. Piper - Corporate Secretary
Dorsey Griffin - Administrator and Operations Manager
Yvette L. Mosley - Executive Assistant to Bishop Lovelace / Office Manager
Karen Nalpantian - Receptionist / Administrative Assistant
Linh Vuong-Luc - Bookkeeper
Annette Vanenburg - Contributions and Gifts
Larry Wilson - Facilities Technician