Bishop Xavier Eikerenkoetter, leader of the internationally renowned United Palace Cathedral, hosts a dynamic slate of activities in June honoring his father, the late Rev. Frederick Eikerenkoetter, best known as “Reverend Ike,” the church’s founder.
“June is a month of recognition and renewal and ministry and music, and I am excited to have several of my colleagues from Agape International Spiritual Center of Los Angeles join our ‘Fathers and Founders’ celebration,” said Xavier Eikerenkoetter. “Agape is a leading institution in the spiritual New Thought movement which, like my father, embraces individual and communal transformation through the power of the mind.”
The festivities kick off with a Founders Day Birthday Concert on Reverend Ike’s birthday, June 1, featuring singer, songwriter and musical director Tim McAfee-Lewis of the world famous Agape International Choir. Accompanied by the Agape Love Ensemble, McAfee-Lewis fuses traditional gospel with soul-liberating lyrics that speak to individuals from all spiritual traditions. He has worked with such musical greats as John Legend, who recently performed at the Palace, India.Arie, will.i.am, Chaka Khan and others.
The “dynamic and charismatic” Rev. Arlene Hylton from Agape is the featured speaker for the new 11 a.m. service, Sunday, June 2. Her presentation is titled “Isms, Schisms or the One.” Sunday, June 9 at 11 a.m., master Agape teacher the Rev. Dr. Joanne Coleman speaks on “ABBA the Father: From the Aramaic Language of Jesus.” Additionally, McAfee-Lewis presents daily music workshops at the United Palace, June 3 through 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. They are free and open to the public.
McAfee-Lewis is helping re-establish the music ministry at the United Palace Cathedral. The new UPC choir debuts in concert Saturday, June 8 at 6 p.m. The UPC celebration culminates with a heartfelt message from Xavier Eikerenkoetter on Father’s Day, June 16, at 11 a.m., titled “Fathers, Forgiveness and the Future.” The June program is part of the ongoing evolution of the famed United Palace Cathedral under the stewardship of Eikerenkoetter.
The events take place at the landmark United Palace Cathedral, the cornerstone of Reverend Ike’s spiritual empire, located at 4140 Broadway at 175th Street. All events are free and open to the public. Visit www.unitedpalace.org or call 212-568-6700.