Christian House of Prayer Founder Nathaniel Holcomb Dies at 66
Nathaniel Holcomb, founder and longtime pastor of the Christian House of Prayer, one of the largest churches in Central Texas, died Tuesday. He was 66.
Holcomb’s death was first announced in a brief statement on his church’s website and social media.
"Our beloved apostle, bishop and Pastor Nate Holcomb received his promotion this afternoon and is now in the presence of the Lord," the statement read in part.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
The news of the beloved preacher’s death spread quickly on social media, prompting reactions from many in his community.
“I’m saddened by the news that Bishop Nathanial Holcomb, pastor of my church the Christian House of Prayer has passed away and gone on to be with the Lord,” Killeen City Councilman Gregory Johnson began in a statement on Facebook.
“He lived a rich and fruitful life that inspired many generations to follow and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He has left a true legacy and example for aspiring servant leaders like myself to follow. Over the years, I’ve come to admire his professionalism, meekness, faith in God and dedication of service to those he was called to serve,” he continued. “Rest in Peace, sir. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones and the Christian House of Prayer family.”
Bishop LaDell Thomas Jr., with Cathedral of Deliverance and Praise in Harker Heights, Texas, said Holcomb will “never be forgotten.”
“One by one God is taking us away ... another giant and prophetic voice has paused through the silence of death. Yes, for the moment we mourn the transition of our dearly beloved brother and friend, the Bishop Nathaniel Holcomb,” he said in a statement shared on Facebook.
“Today as loving humanity, we mourn but at the remembrance of the tremendous impact this man has made on our very being, God’s grace and favor will enable and inspire us to smile again. When our tomorrow emerges, and it shall, this voice of the late apostle Nate Holcomb, a man sent from God, will continue to echo throughout generations of friends, family, sons and daughters to come!!! R.I.P my friend. We will see you later,” he noted.
According to the church’s website, Holcomb and his entire family accepted Jesus in 1977 at a time when he “had a very promising and lucrative recording contract with Motown Records.”
“His convictions led him to void this commitment,” the church said, and he chose instead to follow the call of God into ministry at age 28 while serving in the U.S. Army.
“Stationed first at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and later at Fort Hood, Texas, he made full proof of his calling with manifestations of signs, wonders and miracles. He arrived at Fort Hood, Texas, in January 1980, and immediately began a Bible study that took roots (sic) and blossomed in the first week,” the church said.
With just 13 people, he eventually started The Christian House of Prayer Ministries and it grew to become one of the largest ministries in Central Texas with a global influence. His church currently has a 2,000-seat sanctuary, on Stan Schlueter Loop in Killeen.
