Beacon of Light Citadel of Praise, Inc. has a rich heritage.  The genesis of this ministry was more than four decades ago under the leadership of Elder Richard Lee Chandler.  God blessed Elder Chandler to open the doors of the first church building his congregation would occupy in March 1972.  The church was located on Patterson Avenue and Gay Streets and was named Pentecostal Miracle Center. The family of Elder Chandler and seven other persons were the first members of the church. 

 

The doors of that building were closed in July 1972; however, God kept stirring up Elder Chandler and said “You will reap if you faint not.” Elder Chandler immediately started his search for another location.  In December 1972, God led him to very small building on Greenmount Avenue and 29th Street.  Mother Annie Pulliam, his family, and one other member stood by him faithfully.  God put his approval on the work by sending an unexpected donor to present Elder Chandler with a check for $100.00 the very first Sunday the doors were opened. 

Over time, the membership grew, making it necessary to move to Chase and Washington Streets.  The church resided at this location for a number of years. After some time, God saw fit to move them once again to Baltimore Street where Bishop Morris Lane permitted them to use his edifice.  It was while at this time that Pentecostal Miracle Center became acquainted with Elder Joseph M. Showell, who led Bible Class lessons, at Elder Chandler's invitation. Who knew at that time what God was beginning to set in order even then!

 

​Elder Chandler wanted his people in a permanent place. God granted this petition in November 1977, when the move was made to 2620 Quantico Avenue, the current location. The Lord blessed the church in a miraculous way and “the people had a mind to work.”

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On January 4, 1978 God called Elder Chandler from labor to reward.  God, however, did not leave His people alone.   Elder Joseph M. Showell was consecrated to lead this congregation on January 15, 1978.  In July 1996, Elder Joseph Showell was elevated to the office of Bishop.  

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The Lord tremendously blessed Bishop Joseph Showell and the United Pentecostal Miracle Church grew.  As a result of Bishop Showell’s leadership, the church was reorganized to include a ministerial staff, a women’s department, men’s department, youth and young adult department, Christian education department, and music ministry.

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United Pentecostal has been a blessing to the neighborhood within which it is located, as well as surrounding areas.  In the past, it has served as a facility for Narcotics Anonymous, as well as a provider of food to those in need.

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On February 15, 2003, God divinely assigned Elder Monica L. Showell-Watters as the pastor of United Pentecostal Miracle Church.  On April 22, 2004, the name of the church was changed to Beacon of Light Citadel of Praise, Inc.
 

Since the installation of Elder Monica L. Showell-Watters, Beacon of Light is called to be an INSTITUTE OF LEARNING. We are committed to engaging in effective, efficient, well-balanced, multi-dimensional discipleship to fulfillment this mandate. We recognize that our call is not only within the walls but beyond the walls of our church.  

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On December 15, 2018, Elder Edwin Watters was consecrated to serve as pastor, alongside his wife.  Together, they are committed to seeking the face and mind of God to lead Beacon of Light Citadel of Praise to greater.

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