"The Rockaway Cathedral is a non-denominational Protestant Christian Church founded in 2020, a year of global uncertainty. We will be a virtual Church operating online until our grand opening in the Fall of 2022. Over the next year, we will preach the Gospel, have virtual bible study, host virtual chats, and host virtual prayer meetings.
This is a start-up in every sense of the word. However, we at The Rockaway Cathedral, like all other churches, link our spiritual birth to 33 AD and the day of Pentecost. On that day, Peter, having been baptized by the Holy Spirit, preached 3000 souls to Salvation in Jesus Christ.
Our foundation Scripture is Matthew 7:24-25: "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."
Authorized King James Version
"Our foundation Scripture is Matthew 7:24-25: "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."
Authorized King James Version
Raised in Central Islip, New York as the elder of 2 sons by loving parents.
Graduated from Central Islip High School in 1983.
Graduated with a BS in Administration of Justice from Penn State University in 1987.
Obtained a Law degree at New York University in 1990.
Worked in the Criminal Defense Division of the Legal Aid Society for several years 1990-1992.
Worked in several private Law partnerships 1992-1995.
Established a private Law firm in Hempstead, NY. Currently specializing there in White Collar Criminal Defense and Civil Rights Litigation 1996 to present.
Accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior in 1980 while looking at the 700 Club on television.
First Church was the Central Islip Church of Christ in Central Islip under Pastor E.P. Murphy. 1982-1983.
While in college attended on-campus and off-campus Ministries run by Pastor William "Buzz' Roberts 1983-1986.
Was baptized by water and the Holy Spirit while a member of the Unity Church of Jesus Christ ( Unity) under Pastor Gerald Loyd, his Senior year at Penn State 1986-1987.
Called to preach in 1986 was confirmed by Pastor Loyd through prophecy.
Preached trial sermon at the Unity Church 1987.
Upon return to New York became a member of the Elim International Fellowship Church (ELIM) in Brooklyn, NY under Bishop Wilbert S McKinley 1987-1991.
Served as a Deacon at ELIM. Was assigned to shepherd a small group of 10 Church members. Held monthly Fellowship prayer meetings, made follow-up calls to the members as needed. Followed up with the Supervising Minister for any special issues or Prayer requests.
Served in the New Convert Ministry, helped lead people to Christ, Water Baptism, and Baptism in the Holy Spirit.
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Relocated to Queens, NY, and became a member at the Greater Allen Cathedral (GAC) from 1991 to 2020 under Pastor Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake and Co-Pastor Rev. Dr. Elaine M Flake.
Learned a great deal under their leadership and will be forever grateful to them for their trust and support.
Worked in several ministries at Greater Allen Cathedral:
Served as a member of the Usher Board.
Appointed by Pastor Flake to be a member of the Trustee Board. As a Trustee was involved in the financial matters and the rules of the Church.
Assisted with the Sacred Rites of Communion.
Served as a Board Member of the Allen Christian School.
Appointed by Pastor Flake to launch a Lawyer Guild for the Greater Allen Cathedral. As President of the Guild worked with other members to establish programs that are still in place.
Established partnership with Judges, members of NYPD, Correctional Facilities, Family Law, Criminal Law and Immigration Law firms, Estate Planners, and social service facilities. These programs were opened not just to the GAC church members but to other Churches and residents of the surrounding community. They were meant to educate, provide services, including advocacy, identify resources including employment and job preparedness and overall inform members of available community opportunities. These partners would sometimes come as a group to attend Church services at the Greater Allen Cathedral.
Secured prominent Attorneys such as Johnnie Cochran of the famed Cochran Firm, who represented OJ Simpson, and Harold Ford, a member of Congress as guest speakers at Seminars held at GAC. Vernon Jordan, Head of the Urban League and a long-term advisor to President Clinton was also a guest Speaker.
Worked in partnership with the District Attorney of Queens, NY, and the Office of Court Administration to bring the Warrant Forgiveness to the Church and surrounding community. It was the first program of its kind in Queens County.
Member of the Caribbean International Ministry. Planned and assisted with Fundraising activities as assigned. Often served as Master of ceremonies at Functions.
Mentored young men between ages 13 to 17 from 1997-2001 in a program called Rights of Passage. The emphasis was on using a Biblical approach to teach young men how to negotiate the difficult teenage years and grow up into mature responsible adults. This included Bible Study, prayer, counseling, listening, social outings, assisting with career/ college plans, advocacy when needed, and home visits. Many of these young men came from single-parent homes. Others came from homes where the parents were not Christians. The program has had and continues to have great success. Many of these young men continue to reach out to their mentors after graduation as they go through life, college, jobs, and family.
Completed a book about the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. This is especially relevant at this time in light of the racial uprising that we are currently experiencing. Hope to publish the book shortly. Stay tuned!
Launched The Rockaway Cathedral in September of 2020. Currently conducting weekly worship service, Bible Study, and prayer meetings.