The membership of the Cathedral of Praise Assembly of God Church has looked forward to the day of its move from Parklane Shopping Center in Troy to its new location on Carmen Avenue.

That hasn’t changed. However, the move will come much soon than expected and before the church was financially ready to move.

“The shopping center has been bought and we will have to be out by August unless we are given a little more time,” said the Rev. James Smith, church pastor. “We have already purchased the land but we have to raise enough money to secure the loan for the church building. So, we are having to increase our fundraising efforts to try to raise the money.”

On Saturday, March 28, the Cathedral of Praise will have its first fundraising project, a family portrait opportunity.

“We are going to have a photography company here to make 10×13-inch, color family portraits for only $10,” Smith said. “These will be good quality photographs and you will have nothing else to buy.”

Smith said those who wish to take advantage of this opportunity should register by calling Carolyn Cobb at 672-1001 or Peggy Peacock at 566-0529.

Smith said the photo-opportunity is open to the public and hopes are that the response will be good and give the church a good start to its fundraising campaign.

“The next fundraiser we have planned is a drawing for a week’s vacation at Kissimmee, Fla. the week of the Fourth of July,” Smith said. “We have several other fundraisers planned including a Boston butt sale. These fundraisers will be very important in helping raise the money we need to obtain the loan for our church building.”

Smith said plans are to break ground for the new Cathedral of Praise Assembly of God Church in the near future.

The original church building was on Oak Grove Road.

The church moved to the Parklane Shopping Center six years ago.

“We have a growing membership and are looking forward to our new church home,” Smith said.

Cathedral of Praise services are 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays and 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Visitors and those who are looking for a church home are always welcome.