GOD’S Cathedral of Praise, formerly Lamaha Park Church of Christ, situated at Lot ‘H’ Lamaha Park, East La Penitence, today celebrates its 37th anniversary as a church, spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ and winning souls for the kingdom, while playing a key

role in responding to the psycho-social needs of the community.

Founded by the late Pastor Harry Norton and wife Elder Louise Norton, the cornerstone of the church was laid in December, 1980, and by January 15, a shed was built by the pastor and male church members before they were able — through tithes and donations from members and other well-wishers – to provide decent accommodation for the small congregation.
With Pastor Harry having brought 22 years of experience in pastoring previously gleaned in the Pilgrim Holiness Church of Guyana, what began as bottom-house services in the neighbourhoods of Tuc Ville, Lamaha Park and Meadow Brook, soon burgeoned into a permanent house of worship at Lamaha Park.

The lone church in the scheme played a key pioneering role in development of the community and maintains a close link with residents — members and non-members alike. Together they would address community problems, ending in positive results for the community and farther afield.

The duo, passionate about living for the Lord and winning souls for His Kingdom, embarked in earnest upon their evangelical pilgrimage, never waning, but maintaining their Christian walk with the Lord – always trusting and submitting to His will and purpose for their lives.
Joining them as foundation members were at least six pastors from among their 11 children who, together with residents of Lamaha Park and others, worked resolutely towards the growth and development of the church – whether they were at home or abroad.

SPIRITUAL GROUNDING
Prior to setting up church in Lamaha Park, Pastor Harry’s missionary journey started around the mid-1950s, when, as a young carpenter living at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, he would travel all the way to Vreed-en-Hoop on bicycle for church services.
He was later called to take up the position of pastor at Adelphi, East Canje, Berbice. While at Adelphi, he conducted Bible Studies and Sunday School in all the neighbouring villages, moving next to New Forest. Other communities in which Pastor Norton worked include: Vergenoegen, Uitvlugt, Parika and Mahaicony.

In the early 1980s, Pastor and Mrs Harry Norton travelled to the United States, where they spent a few years. Over the next few years and in their absence, the church was pastored by their eldest daughter, Assistant Pastor Eunice and husband Donald Alleyne, assisted by her sister Naomi, and later by Pastor Kwesi Henry, before being taken over by the founders’ eldest son, Timothy Norton, senior Pastor for the last 17 years.

After faithfully discharging their duties as leaders of the church, both Pastor Harry Norton and his wife Louise migrated to the United States. In the dawn of the 1920s, ill health took its toll, resulting in their passing, both at the age of 90.
He transitioned on August 21. Four years later, on November 7, 2016 and two months after her 90th birth anniversary, Elder Louise passed on, dealing the church a devastating blow.
The congregation also mourns the recent loss of its second oldest member, Neville Gilbert, who was known to have served the church well. He died at age 82.

GRATITUDE
God’s Cathedral of Praise and Worship, Lamaha Park, reflecting on providence and goodwill down through the years, and acknowledging that “every little bit counts,” wishes to express gratitude to the countless persons and organisations who have lent support to it through the years.

Among them are: the Kurr family of Meadow Brook; the Bostons; the Mosleys; the Stewart and Hope families who initially made their homes available for the holding of church services; the Ministry of Housing and the late Joyce Gill,former MP, for helping to acquire land on which to build the church and others who helped in any form.
Sincere thanks to Banks DIH; Aubrey Retemyer; Nagasar Sawh Sawmills; Toolsie Persaud; A Gafoor and Sons; Brother and Sister Bob Muter of the USA and Norton family members, including their daughter Naomi Williams and husband for regular financial donations to the church.

Sincere thanks also to the late President of Guyana, Mrs Janet Jagan, for her visit to the church around 1986; to Pastor Frederick Flatts and Dr Timothy Critchlow, monthly guest preachers; Directors Romeo and Glennifor Hellpioms Smith.
Gratitude to sibling, Pastor Joseph Norton, owner of Norton Taxes of New York for recently refurnishing the church and providing musical instruments; for other gifts from AGAPE House of Prayer, Praise and Worship, Brooklyn, New York.

To the faithful congregation, musicians, worship leaders of God’s Cathedral of Praise; the entire community of Lamaha Park for their support in whatever form, as well as the supportive pastors in Guyana.
Pastors from the United States of America who — from time to time — visit the church with large delegations to carry out medical, educational and other outreaches here and to conduct life-changing crusades. Kudos to Bishop Roberts and team from Brooklyn, New York, currently in Guyana to hold crusades in observance of the Church’s 37th anniversary.

Faithful servants of the Lord, Pastor Harry and Elder Louise Norton, daughter Yvonne Retemyer Williams who later pastored her own Church in New York; Beryl Dennis and others have all gone to rest, but their labour has not been in vain. The Church lives on and will continue to grow from strength to strength, for Christ said: “I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against It.”