Our Story
A Legacy
of Love.
What began with seven souls in a Rocky Creek Road laundromat has endured for more than sixty years — a church God called to be interracial when that calling carried a cost, and one that still ministers to the total person: spirit, soul and body.
Sixty Years of Faith
From seven souls in a laundromat to a cathedral on the hill.
The road they traveled
On the corner of Columbus Road and Wellsworth Avenue in Macon, Georgia sat a church named "The Lighthouse Tabernacle." The building, a barn-like structure with sawdust floors, was then pastored by Reverend Allie Taylor. As this church prospered, a block building was erected and the membership grew. Among those joining that church family fellowship was the Reverend Estelle M. Hilton Good.
A seed was planted during an evangelistic meeting, and on August 2, 1962, Founder Good began ministering in a little laundromat on Rocky Creek Road near PioNono Avenue with approximately seven members. Word soon spread that Pastor Good had remained in Macon; former members of The Lighthouse Tabernacle came to the laundromat to worship.
During the next year the congregation grew and moved to a Seventh Day Adventist church on Montpelier Road for Sunday services. When that congregation relocated to Wimbish Road, they offered the location to the yet-unnamed congregation. But God had a different plan. While riding down what was then a wooded area on Bloomfield Road, Pastor Good glanced at a hill lot and said:
"That's It!"
Establishment here did not come without struggle. Though there were churches down the street, local planning & zoning officials would not allow placement of a church. Naming it "Evangelistic Missionary Center" allowed zoning approval, and a tent was pitched near the road. Neighbors complained of loud worship; a 10 p.m. curfew was placed on the church, and Founder Good was once handed a subpoena mid-sermon. God intervened, the judge dismissed the unfounded charges, and the church continued to grow.
In June 1963 an Army barrack was moved from Robins Air Force Base at the church's own expense. During those six years the struggle continued — because God had called this church to be interracial. During one revival, Founder Good was issued a threat that the Ku Klux Klan would burn a cross in the yard if services were ever held in that building again. After much prayer and intercession for the safety of the flock, services continued the very next night without incident.
A sanctuary, a Bible school, and a new name
In 1968, ground was broken for the present sanctuary, its floor plan designed by Bro. Samuel Richitt and Bro. Bill Brooks, Sr. By 1970 the church was finished by a united effort of the whole congregation and was dedicated as HIS "Lighthouse of Deliverance" by Rev. Don Stewart of A.A. Allen Ministries.
An educational building was added in 1977, housing the "Lighthouse Bible Training Center" until 1988; many present members graduated from it. In 1990, as God revealed the church was entering a new dispensation and desired a deeper work, the church was renamed Covenant Life Cathedral. In 1993 the Dr. Estelle M. Good Family Life Center was built.
The passing of the mantle
Due to health, Founder Good accepted the position of Senior Pastor Emeritus. By divine appointment, the leadership and pastorate of Covenant Life Cathedral was passed to Reverend Robert W. Hunnicutt, who had served as one of CLC's two Assistant Pastors. On March 18, 2000, Reverend Hunnicutt was installed as CLC's Pastor/Shepherd and Chief Executive Officer, and Mrs. Sandra Faye Hunnicutt became CLC's First Lady.
Founder Good was called to her Heavenly Home on Thursday, October 23, 2008, with a Home Going Celebration held at Covenant Life Cathedral. Under the leadership of Pastor Bob & First Lady Faye Hunnicutt, the church continues to grow and to carry a torch that has now endured for more than sixty years.
Those who have served faithfully
CLC's first full-time employee, Sis. Mary Williams Baul, was hired in 1998 and continues to serve as Ministries Coordinator/Church Administrator. The late Sis. Diane S. Brown served as the first Christian Education Director until her passing in 2018; Minister Vanessa Anderson Jones was appointed to follow her. Lee Good Sanders, daughter of Founder Good, served as Bookkeeper/Treasurer for sixteen years, and Sis. Linda "Dale" Godwin was appointed to that role in 2011.
The affairs of the church are managed by its Board of Directors and supported by a seven-member Board of Elders, who advise and teach, pray for the sick, and help administer the ordinances of Covenant Life Cathedral. We are the heirs of the faith of our Founder, our founding members, and those who followed in their footsteps — and it is our privilege to pass this rich history on to future generations. The legacy of Christian love that began in 1962 continues.
Shepherds of the Flock
The hands that have carried the torch.
Our Founder
Rev. Estelle M. Hilton Good
Founder & Senior Pastor Emeritus · 1962–2000
Called to plant a church that would welcome every race, creed and denomination, Founder Good led CLC through decades of struggle and growth — from a laundromat of seven to a sanctuary that still stands.
Our Pastor
Rev. Robert W. Hunnicutt
Pastor, Shepherd & CEO · since 2000
Installed in March 2000, Pastor Bob — alongside First Lady Faye Hunnicutt — carries forward the mandate to meet the needs of the total person: spirit, soul and body.
Everybody is Somebody
You have a place in this story.
All races, creeds and denominations are welcome. Come see what sixty years of Christian love looks like — we're saving you a seat.