The 150-member Church of Christ (Holiness), which was founded in the city of Atlanta in the 1940s, moved in next door to the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library in January after purchasing the 11-acre property with a 250-seat sanctuary and a daycare center from the Wesley Chapel UMC.
Elder H. Vonzell Castilla, Beulah's pastor, said things are "wonderful" at the new location at 2901 Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur.
"We're enjoying being a part of our new community," he said. "We had a dynamic Easter production on Good Friday, and Sunrise service and Easter egg hunt on Sunday."
The church has wasted no time establishing roots in the community. Members have been canvassing nearby subdivisions like Chapel Lake and the Summit at Chapel Lake with fliers and have reached out to nearby Rainbow Elementary and Southwest DeKalb High schools.
Castilla said they have started a tutorial program for middle and high school students and plan a Teacher Appreciation Day for Southwest DeKalb teachers in May.
On May 28, it will open the Beulah Early Learning Center for children 6 weeks to 4 years old.
"We've hired our director, Yolanda Bowen, and she's putting her staff together," Castilla said.
Before relocating to Wesley Chapel Road, Beulah Cathedral members worshipped at several hotels and at East Atlanta Fellowship on Bouldercrest Road.
Castilla said they approached Wesley Chapel UMC about the property, which it owned across the street from its church, even though it was not listed for sale.
The church eventually sold them the property, valued at nearly $2 million. Castilla said the campus has room to grow and can accommodate not only a new sanctuary but also a Family Life Center, which are in their five- to 10-year plan.
The new location is already working in the church's favor. Castilla said it has been invigorating for the congregation.
"We're on the corner of Kelley Chapel and Wesley Chapel roads," he said. "We're excited about being at a major thoroughfare."
He is anticipating outgrowing the space very soon.
"We believe that God is going to allow us to outgrow the sanctuary real soon," he said. In the three months since it took up residence, Castilla said the church has attracted 20 new members.
"If God is taking us beyond our limitations, we will rise above all expectations," he said.
Castilla said Beulah wants to be a holistic ministry.
"We want to meet the spiritual, economic, education, social needs of the community," he said.
Beulah's regular weekly services are Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m.
For more information, visit www.beulahcochusa.org or call 404-288-2434.
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