Founded in 1947 by Bishop James Owens in his home, with his wife and to adult daughters, he founded the Unity Chapel Church, Inc.; a church, found on the principles prayer, holiness and godliness. For 51 and a half years, his faithful commitment to the ministry grew the church by leaps and bounds, through several buildings, to our current location at 5250 Thekla. In 1998, God called Bishop Owens home to be with him, and in January of 1999 his grandson, Bishop Ronald S, Irving was officially installed as Senior Pastor after years of faithful service. Under Bishop Irvings leadership, the Lord grew the church by leaps and bounds and in July of 2021, Bishop Irving retired from Pastoral Ministry. Passing the baton to his grandson, Prophet Keenan Peebles.
ABOUT
VISION
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CULTURE
At The Place of Strength STL, we are building a Christ-centered culture rooted in faith, love, truth, and transformation. We are a Spirit-led, Word-anchored community where everyone can grow, heal, and be empowered to walk in their God-given purpose.
We are a house of prayer, a hub of restoration, and a launchpad for leaders. Our culture values authentic worship, biblical teaching, radical hospitality, and multi-generational impact. We honor the past, live boldly in the present, and prepare for a powerful future led by the Holy Spirit.
Here, strength is not just found in personal ability, but in our unity, our obedience to God, and our commitment to lifting one another. We confront compromise with truth and embrace brokenness with grace, believing every person can be made whole through Jesus Christ.
This is The Place of Strength—where we make people, families, and cities stronger.
BELIEFS
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