Our Story
In the late 1970’s the church was outgrowing it’s premises on Little Musgrave St, so we began holding Sunday Service in the now demolished Municipal Theatre on Bolsover St, while the Cathedral of Praise was being built.
The land on which the Cathedral of Praise stands was purchased in 1980. At the time, there were very few buildings as far out on the north side of the city. Building of the Cathedral of Praise worship centre commenced in 1982 and it was officially opened in November of that year.
Since its opening, the church has continued to grow and thrive as God leads our Senior Pastor, Claude Fingleton. This has included the addition of Heights College, which was found in 1989, as well as numerous renovations, refurbishments and extensions to the Cathedral of Praise Church Rockhampton, including the Children’s and Youth Centre.
What We Believe
We believe that the Bible is God's Word. It is accurate, authoritative and applicable to our everyday lives. We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things. He exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. He is totally loving and completely holy. We believe that sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives.
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ as both God and man is the only One who can reconcile us to God. He lived a sinless and exemplary life, died on the cross in our place, and rose again to prove His victory, empowering us for life. We believe that in order to receive forgiveness and the 'new birth' we must repent of our sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and submit to His will for our lives. We believe that in order to live the holy and fruitful lives that God intends for us, we need to be baptised in water and be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables us to use spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues which is the initial evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
We believe that God has individually equipped us so that we can successfully achieve His purpose for our lives which is to worship God, fulfil our role in the Church and serve the community in which we live. We believe that God wants to heal and transform us so that we can live healthy and prosperous lives in order to help others more effectively. We believe that our eternal destination of either Heaven or hell is determined by our response to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Values
The values of The Cathedral of Praise are based on our beliefs. They frame the culture of its various ministries.
THE WORD OF GOD (The Bible) is the foundation for our beliefs, decisions, and actions. There are no more important words.
PRAYER is our personal connection with God. It is where we honour God, lay down our burdens, receive strength, find direction, wisdom and peace and experience breakthrough.
THE HOLY SPIRIT is Christ’s gift to us so that we might know and experience the presence of God, his comfort, guidance, and power to live a life that reflects God’s character and honours him.
HOLINESS – As Christians we have been called to live holy lives which is reflected in our attitude, behaviour and speech. There is an important relationship between our commitment to holy living and our capacity to be used by God for his Kingdom purposes.
PRAISE AND WORSHIP allows us to express our heart, give gratitude, honour and reverence to God, helping us to focus on and encounter God in our daily lives.
TITHES AND OFFERINGS – The tithe is giving to God a tenth, a portion, of what we have earned. It is holy, set apart for God’s purposes. Offerings are given freely and sacrificially and enable us to be generous to those in need and build God’s kingdom.
HONOUR, which is biblical, it is expressed with substance, is not sought but given. If we honour God, he will honour us.
A GENERATIONAL CHURCH – Because mankind was created in God’s image, we value every individual regardless of age, ethnicity, background, or status. We recognise that every generation contributes to the life, and vibrancy of our church. Our love for others is demonstrated in a respectful and responsible way and outworked through spiritual support, encouragement and practical care as our programs and resources allow. This is especially so when it comes to children and young people.
Our Pastors
Pastor Claude and Elva Fingleton
Senior Pastors
Pastor Claude and Elva have overseen the Cathedral of Praise since their arrival in Rockhampton in 1975. In that time they have seen amazing growth.
Pastor Fingleton has a clear anointing upon his life to lead the congregation into worship, to teach and to pastor. He has the ability to open the Word of God in such a way as to be clear, challenging, relevant and prophetic. He has ministered to pastors, church leaders and congregations not only in Australia but around the world.
It was under Pastor Fingleton’s direction that Height’s College was founded in 1989. He is Chairman of the Board of Heights College and has served in this role since the College's inception.
Pastor Greg Frost
Associate Pastor
Pastor Greg joined the ministry in team in January 2000 as Youth Pastor, a position he held for 21 years. He loves the local church and over the last 20 plus years his ministry to the body has been multifaceted as he has overseen many departments. He is a man who loves the Word of God and is an inspiring preacher.
Pastor Chris Russell
Women's Pastor
Pastor Chris joined the Pastoral Team in February 2006, to work alongside Pastor Elva in ministering to the women of our house. In 2021 she stepped into leadership of COP Women. She is vibrant, warm, caring and is passionate about God's house. Ps Chris serves with energy and passion, coming alongside women to encourage them and help them develop in their relationship with their God.
Pastor Luke Walford
Children's and Youth Pastor
Pastor Luke joined the Pastoral Team in 2015. In January 2016 he took on the responsibility of Praise Kids, a roll in which he thrived, and in 2022 become our Youth Pastor. Luke is a God honouring man whose enthusiasm and energy to serve the body is infectious. He has a genuine love for children and young people and desires to help them grow in all that God has created them to be.
