The First Cathedral, originally known as First Baptist Church, is a Black Baptist congregation in Hartford, Connecticut. It is the fifteenth oldest historically black church founded in the city and the third congregation to be known as First Baptist Church of Hartford. Its pastor is Archbishop LeRoy Bailey, Jr. History Milestones in development 1968, On April 12, The church is founded with Rev. Edward R. King and 100 charter members. 1970, Rev. Thomas Tate served as interim pastor 1971, Rev. Dr. LeRoy Bailey Jr. begins his tenure as second pastor. 1971, The church launches radio broadcast 1972, The church joins American Baptist Convention and National Baptist Convention. 1977, In September, the church moves to a larger facility. The church becomes known as The First Baptist Church of Hartford, 1981, The church begins its school of ministry. 1987, The first of two apartment buildings for the elderly, managed by the First Baptist Housing Development Corporation were constructed. The second is completed in 1990. (Cathedral Manors) 1988, The church began annual Christmas program, with drama and singing functions as first faith-based performing arts conservatory in Southern New England. 1989, The church bookstore is launched. 1993, A mission in Kenya was started. 1997, The Praises of Zion, one of The First Cathedral's choirs, releases their first album, "Incredible", . 1997, The church began construction on the Cathedral Edifice. 1999, In September, The church moves to the Cathedral Edifice. 2001, In October, Bishop LeRoy Bailey Jr was consecrated into the International Bishops Conference with jurisdiction over North America and the Caribbean, with rights of succession. 1997, The Praises of Zion releases their second album "Forgetting What's Behind", 2003, Bishop Bailey published "A Solid Foundation: Building Your Life from the Ground Up" 2004, All-Purpose Playfields are completed on the cathedral's campus. 2004, The church adopted 16 churches in Bangladesh. 2006, Bishop LeRoy Bailey Jr. is appointed Archbishop of the International Bishops Conference, USA becoming known as Archbishop LeRoy Bailey Jr. 2007, The church built 3 churches in Peru and one additional church in Bangladesh. 2007, The church built 15 wells in Bangladesh, serving an estimated 30,000 to 50,000 residents. 2008, The church builds a 40,000 dollar orphanage in Uganda. 2008, The Praises of Zion records and releases their third album, "I Believe". 2009, "Discovering your Power" begins broadcasts both locally and nationally. 2015, The Praises of Zion records and releases their fourth album, "Gospel Extravaganza.