Since the late 1800s, the property at the corner of 19th and Crocker has been home to several churches from several different denominations. Although differences exist between the Methodist, Foursquare, Open Bible and Kingsway churches, every church that has owned this property had an emphasis on the Holy Spirit, training and educating ministry leaders, and reaching the nations with the Gospel through world missions.

Grace Methodist Episcopal Church first purchased the property at the corner of 19th and Crocker in 1883. The cathedral itself wasn’t constructed until 1902, replacing the first church built on the grounds. Architects Proudfoot and Bird designed the magnificent structure. Just ten years after its dedication, church membership had grown to over 1,000 people and the yearly missions budget exceeded $1,300. In 1917, a fire destroyed the steeples and the roof of the building. Due to war conditions, building supplies were scarce and expensive, so the congregation decided to build a temporary roof until further repairs could be made.

Grace Church moved from 19th and Crocker in 1927, selling the cathedral to the Foursquare Gospel Lighthouse. After Aimee Semple McPherson conducted powerful evangelistic and healing meetings in Des Moines in 1927 and 1928, the church experienced explosive growth and revival, with satellite churches branching out across the region.
   

In 1932, Rev. John Richey purchased the building and, along with a large group of ministers from across the Midwest, formed the Open Bible Evangelistic Association. Just like Grace Methodist and the Foursquare Lighthouse, the new church had a strong emphasis on evangelism, the Holy Spirit and training leaders through a Bible school. Later, they would merge with the Bible Standard Churches to form what is now known as the Open Bible Standard denomination.

Kingsway Cathedral and Bible School took over the property in 1967 and called it home for many years. Since 2003, the building has remained empty and has suffered considerable damage. KLM International plans to restore the church to its original, 1902 design, including the steeples that once towered above the roof line. Kirk Blunck and Jeff Wagner of HLKB
Architecture will be leading the restoration. Not only are plans in place to restore the structure itself, but KLM International intends to maintain the original vision and intention of the property as a church with a focus on the Holy Spirit, training ministry leaders and reaching the nations of the world with the Gospel. In addition to serving as the mother church for Life Church International, The Kathedral, as it will be called, will host missions conferences and regional events.