Discover purpose and depth —
We’re here to fuel your spiritual journey.

The Founders of GCICTS
Bishop and Pastor Harris

Bishop R.W. Harris, a civil rights advocate and retired Detective Lieutenant, has been a dedicated member of the NAACP since age seventeen. Alongside with his wife, Pastor Novella Harris, an esteemed educator, Grace Cathedral International, fostered impactful community initiatives like the Sure Foundation Child Care Center. Bishop Harris, an international crusader, continues to champion social justice. Pastor Novella, consecrated in 1996, was an award-winning educator, author, and community leader, who left a lasting impact in the Uniondale community and in the hearts of innumerable parishioners. Together, they shaped a better future through faith, education, and service.

Education has always been the cornerstone of achievement and success. Their earnest desire continues to provide the best academic tools for the Children of GOD, empowering them to improve and enhance their knowledge, gifts, and abilities to further the Kingdom of Christ. This commitment comes to life through personal devotion time in the Word, Bible Study, Sunday School, and the Grace Cathedral International Center of Theological Studies (GCICTS). The strides they made continue to provide education strengthened by the Holy Spirit, equipping individuals with wisdom to effectively serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace Cathedral International is blessed to offer various avenues for elevated academic standards and enhanced knowledge, providing valuable educational opportunities. The vision remains that through these efforts, Christian disciples will recognize and capitalize on these opportunities to excel in the competencies and values essential for Christian service.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

PASTOR

NOVELLA

HARRIS

1946 - 2024

AAS, BA, BRE, Th. B, MSED

Pastor Harris transitioned to eternal life in December 2024. She retired from a successful career in the teaching profession in Malverne, NY, where she also served on the Literacy Standards Committee. Her academic accomplishments included a Master’s of Science Degree in Education from Hofstra University, Bachelors of Religious Education and Bachelors of Theology from United Christian College. Pastor held the position of Vice-President of the GCI Center for Theological Studies, Inc., as well as a long-standing Educator. In her love for teaching, Pastor educated, encouraged, and enriched all who came under her tutelage at Grace Cathedral.

She specialized in Adult Sunday School, New Converts, and Marriage and Family Enrichment classes. She was also the Founder and Executive Director of the Sure Foundation Child Care Center, a NY State recognized day-care organization that taught the fundamentals of education to hundreds of pre-K children.

Pastor Harris published two books, Sermonettes for a Sunday Morning and Sermonettes for a Sunday Morning Book 2, a vast collection of inspiring, homiletical lessons that continue to guide, strengthen, and enable Christians to live a victorious and fulfilled, Christ-centered life. Her spiritual contributions to the congregation and the church community were immeasurable to those who knew her. Pastor Harris will always be affectionately remembered as a Virtuous Woman of GOD, who loved Jesus Christ with all her heart and soul.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

MOTHER

MARTHA

ALICE

PINKNEY

1947 - 2021

RN, AAS, BSN, BRE, Th. B, MBA/HCM

Mother Martha Alice Pinkney was a long-standing member of Grace Cathedral. She received her Bachelors of Science in Nursing from St. Martin’s College, WA. She completed her Master’s degree in Business Administration and Health Care Management from University of Phoenix. Mother Pinkney was a Sunday School Teacher at Grace and was certified in parish nursing. She traveled extensively on the foreign field with Bishop Harris, including trips to Israel and Egypt (twice), Jordan, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Cebu City, Philippines, Hong Kong and Haiti. She received her Bachelors of Religious Education and Bachelors of Theology from United Christian College. Professionally, she was a Registered Nurse, retiring after 40 plus years of service. Mother Pinkney was also the Executive Assistant to the Bishop for several years. Her presence and contributions to the Bible school as an administrator and educator are sorely missed by all who knew her.

We can help…

Deepen Your Understanding of Theology

Gain comprehensive knowledge and insights into theological principles, scriptures, and doctrines to strengthen your faith and ministry.

Cultivate Leadership Skills and Servanthood

Develop the leadership qualities necessary for effective servanthood, equipping you to take on leadership roles within the church and your community..

Provide Practical Guidance for Spiritual Growth

Receive personalized guidance and resources for your spiritual journey, fostering personal growth, and enhancing your ability to contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom of GOD.

RECOGNITION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD

Another new objective beginning in the Fall 2024 is the introduction of the RECOGNITION OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE award. This award is to recognize students who consistently exceed expectations throughout a course to completion. Award criteria includes:

 Perfect or excellent attendance; minimal/no lateness

 Completion of all assigned work

 Demonstration of comprehensive research or study

 Class participation

 Completion of projects when applicable

 Excellent grades (A or A+ /or equivalent)


** Based on teacher recommendation, students eligible to receive this award will be recognized during the commencement ceremony once yearly. There is no limit to eligible students who are entitled to receive this award.

MOTHER MARTHA A. PINKNEY AWARD
**HIGH HONOR OF DISTINCTION**

A third recognition GCICTS will offer students who excel is the newly-created MOTHER MARTHA A. PINKNEY AWARD – HIGH HONOR OF DISTINCTION. Students eligible for this award will satisfy the following requirements:

 Register and complete three (3) or more classes each of the two
semesters (no audit)

 Receive a grade of A or better in all classes taken

 Be the recipient of the RECOGNITION OF ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE AWARD

 Enrolled in GCICTS for a minimum of one year before the year in
consideration

 Consistently exhibits a positive and spirit-filled attitude in class
participation


** Note: This is considered a very high recognition. In addition to receiving this certificate, a gold honor cord and a gift card of $75.00 will also be included.