Our Leadership

Rev. Dr. Michael David Bailey serves as the Senior Pastor of The First Cathedral, where he is widely regarded as a strategic and innovative leader, an insightful thinker, and a distinguished preacher whose ministry powerfully engages the present generation.

Dr. Bailey accepted his call to ministry at a young age, preaching his first sermon at 17 and receiving ordination at 19. In 2011, he assumed the roles of Youth Pastor and Youth Director, leading a period of significant growth and effectively ministering to the next generation. He was appointed Co‑Pastor in 2016, carrying forward the legacy established by his father and earlier leaders of the church.

A committed scholar and minister, Dr. Bailey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Gordon College, along with both a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Gordon‑Conwell Theological Seminary. Upon completing his doctoral studies, he was recognized as the youngest African American—and the third youngest individual overall—to graduate from the program.

Dr. Bailey is deeply engaged in community service and philanthropy. His contributions have earned him numerous honors in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, including the Manchester Community College Black History Community Award, the 100 Men of Color recognition, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.’s “Brother of the Year Award,” and multiple leadership awards acknowledging his service during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Gordon College further recognized his achievements with its 2021 Young Alumni Award.

His leadership extends across civic, educational, and faith‑based institutions. He has served on the executive boards of the Greater Hartford NAACP and the Greater Hartford Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, as well as on the board of High School, Inc. He played a key role in establishing the Institute for the Study of the Black Christian Experience at Gordon‑Conwell Theological Seminary, which has since evolved into the Rev. Dr. Michael E. Haynes Scholarship Steering Committee, supporting students of color pursuing theological education.

Dr. Bailey presently serves as Chaplain for the Hartford Police Department and holds board positions with The Master’s School, the Urban League of Greater Hartford, Urban Alliance, FaithActs for Education, and the American Baptist Churches of Connecticut. He also contributes to Vision New England and the Gordon College Alumni Advisory Committee.

A dedicated member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Dr. Bailey serves as President of the Delta Pi Sigma (Hartford Alumni) Chapter and as New England State Chaplain for the Eastern Region. He is additionally a founding board member of Culture For Service, Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to education and community advancement.

His ministry and community leadership have been featured on national platforms such as PBS NewsHour, NBC News, and the Boston Globe, as well as numerous Connecticut media outlets highlighting his involvement in COVID‑19 response, public health initiatives, and food security. He is also the co‑author of The Priority of Making Disciples: The Messiah and Our Mission in Matthew 28:16–20.

Above all, Dr. Bailey cherishes his family. He is the devoted husband of Lady Sonya Bailey and the proud father of their two daughters, Ava Joy and Shiloh Grace.

The Most Reverend LeRoy Bailey, Jr. accepted Christ at age seven and began ministering at ten, marking over fifty-seven years of dedicated service. Raised in a Christian home in Memphis, Tennessee, he has consistently exemplified a life grounded in faith and purpose.

His ministry and leadership have earned recognition from U.S. Presidents and other national and international dignitaries. He has spoken before thousands in Uganda and ministers annually in Guatemala. His honors include induction into the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Board of Preachers at Morehouse College and numerous civic awards from Connecticut governors and members of the state’s General Assembly.

Archbishop Bailey holds a Bachelor of Arts from American Baptist College, a Master of Divinity from Howard University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Hartford Seminary. He has also received honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from the New England International School of Ministry and the Tennessee Baptist School of Religion.

He is Archbishop Emeritus and served as Overseer of the International Bishops Conference USA and Co-Adjutor of its global jurisdiction. He is the Prelate of Churches Covered and Connected in Covenant and a Co‑Founder of both Pastors In Covenant and the Connecticut Coalition of Churches—organizations promoting cross‑denominational collaboration and leadership development. His local service included roles as Corporator and Board Member of St. Francis Hospital and Chaplain of the Hartford Police Department.

Archbishop Bailey is active in broader academic and community leadership. He has served as a Judiciary Leadership Panelist at Hartford Seminary, presented at Yale Divinity School’s Berkeley Divinity School Colloquium, and spoken at Clark University and Gordon College.

As Pastor Emeritus of The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, Connecticut, he led the congregation for 54 years, overseeing its growth from a few hundred members to more than 11,000.

He is the author of A Solid Foundation and As Far As The Eye Can See, both of which offer practical guidance for spiritual growth and daily life.

A gifted teacher, preacher, and counselor, he is committed to equipping believers for effective ministry. He has been married for 50 years to First Lady Rev. Reathie Bailey, Senior Advisor to the Archbishop. They are the parents of three children—Rev. Riva Bailey Green, Rev. LeRoy Bailey III, and Rev. Dr. Michael David Bailey—and grandparents to ten grandchildren.

Rev. “Mother” Reathie J. Bailey has faithfully served as the First Lady of The First Cathedral for more than 50 years, as well as the Senior Advisor to her husband, Archbishop LeRoy Bailey, Jr. Together, they have pursued God’s vision to strengthen existing ministries, launch new ones, and win souls for Christ.

First Lady Bailey earned her Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from The New England International School of Ministry and was ordained as a Minister on January 20, 2008. Over the years, she has been recognized with numerous awards for her dedicated service, including the President’s Humanitarian and Ministry Award from the Greater Hartford Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance.

Affectionately known as “Mother Bailey,” she is an anointed motivational speaker with a deep passion for God’s people. She is widely admired for her powerful delivery of the Word, her radiant presence, her infectious smile, and her insatiable hunger for the things of God.

Rev. Bailey provides leadership to the Youth and Women’s Ministries and played a key role in establishing the Women’s Investment Club. A devoted Prayer Warrior, she is also a member of J.E.W.E.L.S. (Joining Evangelical Women Equipped by the Leading of the Spirit), a multicultural group of intercessors who meet monthly for prayer.

Her heart for the health and wellness of The First Cathedral family and the broader community helped birth The Good Life Wellness Center, further extending her ministry’s impact.

Before becoming First Lady, Mrs. Bailey served with distinction in the Federal Government Defense Department for over a decade. Her responsibilities included supporting military personnel and organizations such as the Red Cross, ensuring code compliance, and contributing to video training initiatives. Her excellence earned her multiple awards, including the prestigious zero defect recognition for maintaining a flawless record each year.

Rev. Reathie Bailey is a dynamic woman of God who has been joyfully married for 45 years to her childhood sweetheart, Archbishop LeRoy Bailey, Jr. Together, they are the proud parents of three children—Rev. Riva Nelva Bailey Green, Rev. LeRoy Bailey III, and Rev. Dr. Michael David Bailey—and the blessed grandparents of ten precious grandchildren.

Pastor LeRoy Bailey, III is the visionary founder, chairman, and CEO of Brakah Enterprises, LLC, situated in West Hartford, CT. Brakah Enterprises is a renowned holding company that umbrellas numerous businesses, including Brakah Center of the Arts, Brakah Music, Faithaccess, and LB3entertainment, LLC. Additionally, Dr. Bailey holds the esteemed position of President of First Academy School, contributing further to his profound impact on education and community development.

In his spiritual journey, Dr. Bailey fulfills his calling as the Executive Pastor for The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT and offers his expertise as a business consultant for an array of non-profit organizations. His vast professional scope encompasses managing entertainment artists and offering creative direction to both production companies and budding business organizations.

Backed by a comprehensive academic foundation, Dr. Bailey boasts an MBA from Springfield College, a MACS from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts Management from the University of Hartford. Additionally, he has been bestowed with two honorary doctoral degrees from Heart University, one in Divinity and the other in Music, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the fields.

Burning with a fervent passion for God, business, investing, and entertainment, Dr. Bailey has carved a niche for himself as a ghost writer for several national artists. He has been acknowledged for his prowess as a writer, director, and producer of numerous theatre productions, including the likes of Risen King, Birth of a King, Family Ties, The Big Event, and Believe. He has also had the honor of partnering with esteemed organizations such as The Bushnell of The Performing Arts in Hartford, CT for community MLK Celebrations, along with collaborations with numerous local entities to propel their visions forward through business and entertainment avenues. Adding to his ever-growing portfolio, Dr. Bailey served as the Executive Producer for the 2020 Urban Movie ‘ALL IN’ available on Amazon Prime and TUBE TV.

In a proud moment of his illustrious career, Dr. Bailey was honored with the President Biden Presidential award, a testament to his tireless dedication and contributions to his community and the nation at large.

Dr. Bailey is not just an ordained minister and a dynamic entrepreneur but also a devoted husband to his wife, SuNia Bailey, and a doting father to their seven children. His extensive community involvement showcases his roles as Chaplain for the Bloomfield Police Department, Regional Director for CUFI, and Owner and Founder of multiple businesses under Brakah Enterprises. As a distinguished member of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc., he diligently served on the executive board of the Beta Sigma Lambda Hartford Chapter. Recognized for his contributions and impact, Dr. Bailey was a proud recipient of the 100 Men of Color Award in 2019 and has actively served as a board member for various community organizations.

Dr. Bailey’s reputation as a businessman is unwavering, as he consistently prioritizes top performance, community building, fostering relationships, and above all, integrity in every venture. His profound love and devotion for God serve as the cornerstone of his life, guiding him to lead a fulfilling and enriched existence.

Elijah A. Oliver, affectionately known as “Pastor E,” received, and answered, the call to ministry in the summer of 2013. Growing up Jehovah Witness, his conversion to Christ, is truly orchestrated by God! After becoming a licensed minister in 2016, he was elevated to Youth Pastor at The First Cathedral in 2018 and oversees the Chosen Generation Youth Ministry. He also serves in many capacities as an Associate Minister. Pastor E recognizes the call on his life! He knows that his primary motivational gift is to be an exhorter; encouraging people to believe they are stronger and more powerful than they think they are. Whether it’s through writing and being an author, speaker, teacher, preacher or life coach; Pastor E has a way of touching the minds and hearts of those he comes into contact with.

Education: Pastor E, received his Bachelor’s degree in General Studies, with a concentration in Business and Economics from Eastern Connecticut State University and a Master’s degree in Counselor Education with specialization in Student Development in Higher Education from Central Connecticut State University. He is also a Certified Master Life Coach where he encourage and counsels clients to create change from within.

Adjunct Professor: Pastor E is currently the Associate Director of Admissions and an adjunct professor teaching the First Year Experience both at Manchester Community College. As a first year experience specialist, he is passionate about empowering transitioning high school seniors and First Year College Students as he leverages his personal experiences and setbacks in high school and college to equip and uplift students with core strategies that enable them to level up and soar to new heights.

Family: Pastor E has been married to his wonderful wife, Ollie-Rubiah, since August 5, 2016. They welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Olivia Grace, to their lives on May 19th 2017 and their lives have never been the same. “I thought I knew what love was. When I first laid eyes on my baby girl, I knew at that moment, I had it all wrong” Pastor E.

Entrepreneur & Author: Pastor E is the founder and CEO of Take F.L.Y.G.H.T. Enterprises, which he started in response to the ongoing desire for individuals wanting to pursue their life long dreams and aspirations

Pastor E published his first book entitled “From Takeoff 2 Touchdown: How to Experience Maximum Altitude” in November 2016. In his debut book, Pastor E invites you to explore an in depth look at the world of F.L.Y.G.H.T– in which he addresses six core principles that individuals deal with every day. Through powerful narrative and with poignant examples, Oliver encourages you to reflect on these key questions: What do you do when FEAR sets in? Have you placed LIMITS on yourself or do you allow others to place limits on you? Is now the time that you finally say YES to life? Do you realize the power of your GRIT? Are you courageous enough to get out of your HANGAR? Will you TAKE ACTION or become a “bizzy mouth?”

From Takeoff 2 Touchdown is a story of motivation, perseverance, encouragement, conviction and inspiration that provides a beacon of light and hope to those looking to Experience Maximum Altitude.