Early History | Cathedral of Love Community Church

Early History

Early in 1978, the Lord opened a new door in the life of Reverend M. K. Baxter. He had continually prayed that God would use him even more in his outreach to others. Even though he was a zealous young man with certain aims and goals in mind, Rev. Baxter sought the Lord for direction and guidance. The Lord answered his prayers by giving him a vision to open a church in his local community. The location did not prove difficult, for he held the first of many services in the living room of his residence in Willingboro, NJ. His first members were his wife, Lilly and daughters, Tracey, Kirtrina and Patricia. The congregation grew and their living room could no longer accommodate those who came.

On June 1, 1981 the church was blessed to purchase property located at 139 Beverly Rancocas Rd. in Willingboro, NJ. Pastor Baxter had a vision to erect a church edifice. The land purchased was quite extensive and included two houses and a shed. One house and shed was used for income, while the other house served as a facility for prayer meetings, Bible study, Sunday school, choir rehearsals, auxiliary meetings and other church activities. While building the church, God blessed us to use Holy Trinity Church and Saints Memorial for worship services.

On the years that followed, the Lord sent new members who had a mind to work. Skilled laborers, carpenters, electricians, and plumbers, the Lord sent them all. Through much opposition and many obstacles from township officials, the Cathedral of Love kept on building. Workers volunteered their time and equipment. As the membership grew, the financial needs increased. Weekly, Pastor challenged the saints to trust God in their giving. Following his example, the members gave sacrificially.

Word spread across South Jersey. Who was this preacher who moved his people to want to build God a house? Not just any house but a beautiful place where they could worship God. Today "Praise God" the Cathedral of Love stands tall, erect and beautiful and has grown from the humble beginning of a family of five worshipping in their home, to a membership of approximately 100+ members.

Bishop M. K. Baxter

The youngest son born to Mother Ida Baxter and the late Bishop A.D. Baxter, Dr. M.K. Baxter is the Pastor and Founder of the Cathedral of Love Church located in Willingboro, NJ. From his early years, he knew God had a call on his life.

In early 1978, God commissioned Bishop Baxter to start a church in the community of Willingboro, NJ, which was started in his home with his immediate family. Because of the growth of the church they were able to purchase a three-acre track of land which would eventually be used for a new edifice. This edifice exemplifies an example of the vision of Dr. Baxter.

Because of the vastness of the vision, other ministries were birthed; The Cathedral Bookstore & Gifts, C.O.L.B.I. (Cathedral of Love Bible Institute), and C.O.L.C.A. (Cathedral of Love Christian Academy). He continues to share new visions with the congregation on a regular basis as he challenges them to "Catch the Vision".

Dr. Baxter strives to be the example he expects his people to be. He labors untiringly in the ministry and has a great passion for reaching the unchurched and teaching them the ways of God. In recognition of his years of labor and deep commitment to the church and his community, Dr. Baxter was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree in June 1997.

The motto of the The Cathedral of Love is "I am what God says I am and I can do what God says I can, Oh yes I can!" Our mission is to meet the needs of the people by communicating God's word, educating God's people and celebrating God's presence. Dr. Baxter lives this motto and vision daily. He is open, accessible and full of love for God's people.

Mother Lilly Baxter

Mother Lilly Baxter is the co-founder along with her husband, Dr. M.K. Baxter of the Cathedral of Love Community Church in Willingboro, New Jersey. Together they have four daughters, Tracey, Kirtrina, Patricia and Tramaine and five grandchildren, Charity, Leonard, Enlylh, Lexie and RJ.

Mother Baxter accepted the Lord at the early age of ten and received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at the age of fourteen. As a young teenager she sat under the tuteledge of the first lady Mother R.T. Jones of Philadelphia, PA. where she attended all night prayer meetings and Friday midnight prayer services. Under Mother Jones, she was taught how to pray, how to live a holy and consecrated life and how to be a lady.

She has sponsored prayer walks, women's conferences, all night prayers, prayer retreats, seminars and more. She hosts a monthly womens fellowship, she currently serves as Senior Elder and church mother of the Cathedral of Love, she is the president of the women's department, a member of the pastor's executive steering committee and the administrator of the Cathedral of Love Christian Academy.

With a love and flair for decorating, Mother Baxter attended The College of New Jersey, (formerly Trenton State College) and New York School of Interior Design to attain a degree in Interior Decorating. She also attended Central Jersey Bible Institute and COLBI. (Cathedral of Love Bible Institute) But most of all, Mtr. Baxter loves the Lord and God's people. She has a passion for prayer and a burden for women and families.