In African American segregated neighborhoods across America, the Black Church, is  held in high esteem and was the focal point of the community in the early 1800’s and 1900’s and remain the focal point today.

The founder and organizer of the United House of Prayer for All People of the Church on the Rock of the Apostolic Faith built the first House of Prayer  in America in 1919 in West Wareham, Massachusetts for $39.00 dollars with his hands. The arrival of Marcelino Manuel de Graca, widely known as Sweet Daddy Grace, captured the hearts, minds, and souls of the people.  The early pioneers of the Faith, simply from a touch or look were true believers.

The House of Prayer exist today as a national beacon of inspiration throughout the United States of America, particularly in African American neighborhoods from Buffalo, NY to Miami, Florida and as far west as Los Angeles, CA and throughout the Midwest, from Detroit, MI to St. Louis, MO with more than 151 churches in 32 states.  

The United House of Prayer started in Newport News, Virginia in 1926, on ground known as “Blood Field” because of the numerous shootings and raucous reputation of the area,it was transformed to an area where serving God was the focus despite the neighborhood.  The House of Prayer quickly established itself as a place where serving God was first and foremost, nothing came before one’s duty to God. Not family or friends. Not one’s self. Individuals joining the House of Prayer were criticized in the news, in the neighborhoods, in the schools and even by their non-House of Prayer family members and friends.  Under Daddy Grace’s guidance and training, the people learned to read and lead. Daddy Grace created auxiliaries for members to join and the pride and sense of belonging included wearing uniforms. Each auxiliary had its own uniform and purpose. Members could rise to leadership positions within these clubs. The lives of the people centered around the House of Prayer Faith and working on some auxiliary so that they could instill values in their children and govern their daily lives.  The young people gathered at the House of Prayer for tutoring, for those Houses which offered reading and math lessons, or to meet up with their brothers and sisters of the Faith to play outside. In Newport News a House of Prayer school was established to teach the children and was known as the Grace School and started at the kindergarten through seventh grade.. It was from the senior members and their parents that the children learn to respect not only themselves but God’s house and God’s prophet.  Daddy Grace teachings and instructions were that of a father raising his children. In fact the children were a key component of the beginnings of this Faith in America. Faithful members recall the active participation of children sitting at the foot of the mountain during service when Daddy Grace was in attendance and participating in bands, parades, displays and on various clubs like Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Western Girls. Gifted young piano players, singers and horn players kept the services lively from praise service until the end of service.  Daddy Grace organized the House of Prayer from the cradle up, both boys and girls, young and old, everybody must join and work on some auxiliary. The Sunday School, Thursday night and a Sunday afternoon 5 o’clock service was set aside for the young people to teach them the skills and tools needed to step into responsible positions. There was always an opportunity to exercise one’s ability to speak and perform in the House of Prayer.  

The United House of Prayer for All People celebrates 100 years of history in America and from the founding Father, Sweet Daddy Grace, (1919 - 1960}, to his successors Sweet Daddy McCollough,(1960 - 1991) to his successor Sweet Daddy Madison , (1991 - 2008), to our current leader and Father, Sweet Daddy Bailey, (2008 - Present), the kingdom has prospered  to an illustrious organization enriching many communities, people and the economy

Our present day bishop, The Honorable Clarence M. Bailey, Sweet Daddy Bailey was born and raised in the city of Newport News from humble beginnings on January 28, 1950. He was educated at the historic Black high school, Huntington High School, graduating in the Class of 1968.  Today the House of Prayer faith flourishes with apartments, homes, office buildings and cafeterias that serve communities and bless friends, and travelers across America. SOURCE: United House of Prayer For All People From Remembrance to Return 1919 -1911