Church History

The Higher Ground Outreach COGIC was birthed in the heart of our pastor, Elder Cordell Carter, Sr. on January 24, 1999. After many months of wrestling with what he believed to be the will of God, he made the move to officially step out and believe God for the increase. The first service was a church was held at the John F. Kennedy Middle School located at 2523 East Washington Street in Suffolk, Virginia. The first members were his wife, Erma Carter and his daughter, Tramaine. The congregation grew, and in six months, the first permanent location, 905 Freeney Ave., Suffolk, Virginia, was established.

Eight years later, on March 18, 2007, the Lord blessed the ministry, and “enlarged our coasts”, as the first worship service was held at the new and present location, 132 Bank Street, Suffolk, Virginia. Pastor Elder Cordell Carter is a visionary. As we grow in God, the Lord is bringing to pass the vision of Higher Ground Outreach Ministries.