Apostolic Life Cathedral
For over 20 years the congregation of Life Cathedral, formerly known as the Staunton Street Apostolic Church, has enjoyed the dynamic leadership of Pastor and Sister Harper. With Pastor Edwin Harper’s insatiable drive and determination, Pastor Harper has lead the saints of Life Cathedral to become one of the most influential churches in the State of West Virginia. Pastor Harper has served as Superintendent of the West Virginia District, continuing the great legacy of God-ordained ministers that lead our great state. Pastor and Sister Harper also have three daughters: Dr. Bridgette Danielle King MD, Mrs. Holly Huffman, and Ms. Heather Harper.
Pastor and Sister Harper are no strangers to the work of the Lord. Rev. Harper, born and raised in the Nitro, West Virginia area, is the son of the late James and Ruth Harper. At a young age, Pastor Harper felt the Call of God directing him into the ministry, and thus soon held revivals in the surrounding areas. Rev. Harper is a veteran Evangelist and Pastor with over 30 years of experience.
Likewise, Sister Harper was exposed to the Ministry at a young age. The daughter of Sister Minnie Kitchen and the late Pastor Greene Kitchen, Sister Harper was raised in a home where the Work of God was first and foremost: She has been a life long member of Life Cathedral where she is loved and adored by its saints.
Again, in 1985, with Pastor Emeritus Kitchen retiring, Pastor and Sister Harper obeyed the leading of the Lord, and accepted the pastorate of Staunton Street Apostolic Church, an already successful church under the leadership of Pastor Kitchen. However, with fresh vision and fire, Pastor Harper has lead the congregation of Life Cathedral into the 21st Century. With completion of the new Cathedral in 1991, and the expansion of properties to this day, Life Cathedral is a thriving community of believers with a vision for the future. Under the continued guidance of Pastor and Sister Harper, the church at the corner of Hagan Street and Staunton Street, the one with the “Warm Welcome”, will forever extend its influence into the next generation and beyond. We, the congregation of Life Cathedral, are eternally grateful for the more than 25 years that Pastor and Sister Harper have given us. Married at 19, Rev. and Mrs. E. S. Harper enrolled at Texas Bible College in Houston, TX. There they extensively added to their ministry experience and served their pastoral internship at the Gospel Truth Church under the late Rev. Charles E. Lambert. Soon after graduating, Rev. and Mrs. Harper accepted a pastoral position in Dupo, Illinois. After 3 1/2 years, Rev. and Sister Harper again felt the Call of God directing them elsewhere. Moving back to West Virginia, they became Pastor of Riverside Apostolic Church. Under their leadership, the church grew and prospered, moving from a small country church to an edifice holding over 1100 people with numerous Sunday School classes and a new fellowship hall.