Staff photo/ Bob Coupland
The Monument of Faith Cathedral Church of God in Christ has relocated and opened at a new site at 904 W. Market St., Warren. The church had a grand opening and celebrated its first service at the new location Nov. 15. From left are First Lady Brenda Herron, Bishop David Herron Sr., Christina Herron and Jada Mau Herron. Missing are Daniel Herron and Judah Christian Herron.

The church had a grand opening and celebrated its first service at the new location Nov. 15.

Bishop David Herron Sr., pastor of the church, said the three-story building has remained vacant for many years and was the location of a former church.

He said after much work on the inside, the church was able to be used again.

The church was started 37 years ago and was located off Highland Avenue.

“Our humble beginnings started in the home of my brother in his living room. We then went to Burton Street and then to Highland Avenue and now here,” Herron said.

Herron said the church’s focuses are believing in God, supporting families, supporting communities and standing on the word of God.

“This location will serve as our new worship church and the administration offices of the jurisdiction that I represent, which is the Ohio Central East Jurisdiction, It also will be the executive offices for the community family outreach complex,” Herron said.

He said the new location is to be accessible and in partnership with the city, other churches and the community.

“We want to work with others and see what we can do to help. Our church is a church with a ministry for all people,” Herron said.

He said the sanctuary was in good condition when they began working on the interior, with many volunteers helping to make the new building a reality.

At the entrance of the sanctuary above the main doors is the message “Behold All Things are Becoming New. A Place Where Change is Possible.”

Brenda Herron said she is so excited to have the new location.

“There was a lot of work and much prayer,” she said.

David Herron said the church has two other worship areas that can be used for youth church and small weddings and funerals. In addition to the sanctuary, there are other areas where people can sit for worship.

He said there is a chapel area, meeting rooms and conference rooms.

Herron said the former church did leave many items that are being incorporated into the new church.

Herron said the church’s community outreach center, which was built more than 20 years ago, will remain on Highland Avenue and continue to be used for many events. He said the church is in partnership with the Trumbull County Combined Health District for such programs as job training and resources, and health services.

Kathy Jones, community liaison for the church, said the church congregation is very pleased with the new location.

Herron said the former church will be used as a multipurpose building for community meetings for neighborhood groups and families. There are also plans to invite smaller churches who want to use a larger venue and family reunions.