First Fellowship Cathedral Pentecostal Church History

A small group of believers met in the home of Deacon and Sister Harriot to have mid-week service (Home fellowship). Within weeks the Home Fellowship had expanded so they gathered in the basement of the Late Rev. L.T. Mowatt’s home for Sunday worship. It soon became evident that a larger facility was needed for an expanding Ministry.

With persistent dedication and Gods direction, the late Superintendent L. T. Mowatt, and the help of the board at the Presbyterian Church, a space at the Presbyterian Church in East Orange NJ was obtained for a nominal rent.

A decision was made to secure a church home of their own so the late Rev. L.T. Mowatt and a group of believers of less than 100, mostly in their twenties, made a sacrificial investment. They submitted their bid and their presentation letter of their vision to the Catholic Archdiocese church in the city of Orange, New Jersey to purchase its property.

The bid submitted by the congregation was not the customary one page offering letter, but a presentation, which showed knowledge of the community needs and a plan to address them.

The 115-year-old building had many limitations which included significant disrepair and neglect, an innumerable population of rodents and prostitution. Drugs solicitation was also a challenge, but the vision was clear to The Late Superintendent LT. Mowatt and he would not allow this to hinder the work of God.

While holding down a full-time job as an executive, Superintendent LT. Mowatt led the renovation and restoration along with the help of others to complete the vision.

While others saw impossibility, he saw it as possible. The Lord gave him the very colors that should represent the church. Red, (representing the blood), Blue (Authority, Heavens), Gold (Glory, Majesty), and White (The bride of Christ, Holiness).

After months of renovation and many sleepless nights, the doors of the church were opened to the community on May 20th, 1986. The church now had a 650-seat sanctuary, a new balcony, a new 45 x18ft altar area which includes a choir area. The facility also had a Fellowship academy, a daycare and training programs for the community. The Founder, Superintendent LT Mowatt, experienced many medical setbacks which included 3 major strokes, and Cofounder Rev. T.V. Mowatt carried on the work of God.

She was ordained as the pastor of First Fellowship Cathedral in October 2002. Following God’s instruction and the support of her husband, children, and church family, she did the work God called her to do.

Raising up many leaders including current Pastor D.G. Thomas under her mentorship, Assistant Pastors, Deacons, Deaconess, Evangelist and Ministers and Missionaries.

While caring fulltime for her husband she continued to pioneer the growth of the ministry through the Wednesday, noon day prayer. God used her mightily to deliver and heal many from their infirmity. There are many testimonies of healing including her own deliverance from breast cancer. She refused a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and other major surgeries; instead, she believed in the healing power of God and remained cancer free for more than 20 years.

On Father’s Day June 2016, Founder & Pioneer Superintendent LT Mowatt said a heartfelt farewell to us and left behind his beautiful wife Pastor T.V. Mowatt, his children Lavern Ann and Lei Mowatt, and this great ministry First Fellowship Cathedral which he loved.

In October 2017, Assistant Pastor D.G. Thomas was ordained as Senior Pastor of First Fellowship Cathedral church to fulfill the vision. In Nov 2017, Pastor T.V. Mowatt was ordained as the Bishop of FFC.

During the pandemic First Fellowship was one of the first churches to reopen its doors and this was only possible because of our ability to adapt, the leadership, and the support of the members. Throughout the years, FCC has endured numerous challenges, but we are built on action faith, so we know that we will continue to be a pillar in the community of Orange for many years to come.

On 07/03/2022, after many years of faithful and dedicated work and service to FCC, and the community, Bishop T.V. Mowatt said farewell to the FCC Family and went home to be with the Lord.

Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Thomas, all the clergy, and members the church is experiencing its rebirth as we cross over to fulfilling our mission as the best caring church in the community.

God bless you all.