Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Earl Paulk's Former Church Sold



Reported in Charisma Magazine this week, the former mega church owned by the late Bishop Earl Paulk best known as the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit was sold for $17.6 million, according to CNL Speciality Real Estate in Orlando, Florida. The new tenants are Atlanta's Greater Traveler's Rest Baptist Church in Decatur, GA.

"We are happy to have brokered a successful outcome for a property of this size, especially in today's challenging economic climate," Matt Messier, broker and principal for CNL, said in a statement. The church campus houses a 6,000-seat main auditorium, a large fellowship hall, seven buildings, offices and a theater.

Paulk's legacy, reaching back to radical integration in the 1960s and "kingdom now" theology, drew over 10,000 members to the church during the 1990s. Gospel artists including John P. Kee, Richard Smallwood and James Bignon recorded successful gospel projects at Cathedral during its zenith. But prior to Paulk's passing, the church was in the controversial spotlight when a series of sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against him. Several women accused Paulk of leading them into sexual affairs while one victim alleged she was molested as a child.

D.E. Paulk, current pastor of the church and the son of the late predecessor, embraces universalism and "radically inclusive" teachings, which lead to the decline of most of its parishioners. Greater Traveler's Rest, a 6,000-member congregation, is pastored by E. Dewey Smith, Jr. and is also known in the Atlanta area for his dynamic music ministry and connections with the gospel community. The church has hosted live recording for the Chicago Mass Choir and Micah Stampley. Greater Traveler's Rest Church plans to host their first service in their new sanctuary on August 30.

For more details on this story, click here.

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