In early 2017, thanks to Bishop Isai Granwell who envisioned a need for a new UIMM Christian Education Building and Residence for his family in La Ceiba, next to the main headquarters of United International Moravian Ministry (UIMM) in La Ceiba, Honduras – the Ministerio Restauracion Divina Eglesia Evangelica Morava Church (Divine Restoration Ministry, Moravian Evangelical Church), this dream came to pass. The Rt. Rev. Dr. William H. Nicholson (UIMM’s President & Administrator and Pastor of Anchorage Moravian Church) traveled by airlines from Anchorage, Alaska in mid October 2026. And after a special Spirit-filled Moravian worship service commissioned the new building for the Kingdom of God evening of October 20, 2026.
Just a little history is in order. The empty vacant lot near Bishop Isai’s Church seen as a close by center was originally purchased in 2016. by a donation from a friend and brother in the Lord who supported missions. The donor was, a major Bristol Bay Salmon fish buyer. Soon after, Bishop Isai Granwell’s son, Smerling (who prior UIMM assisted with scholarship funds to become an Engineer), put together the first order was for building materials in February 2017 for 63,163.09 Lempia. (US dollars around $2,400). It took some time to raise the dollars since UIMM is not a funding agency.
And over the years since then several contributors along with UIMM assisted with building materials and helped to pay for the permits, construction crew salaries, etc. It was not only UIMM, but significant dollars arrived from brethren in Miami and Texas. So too, Bishop Isai’s sons – Lindon, and Smerling, as well as his wife, his mother-in-law, and his La Ceiba Moravian Revival Church, and many others helped. Especially during the last two years, the needed construction funding could not have happened without the constant prompting of Bishop Isai. A new well with pump for running water was installed. Importantly electricity for the building was provided by the municipality.
As indicated earlier, Bishop Isai’s son, Smerling Granwell was instrumental in getting the permits, drawings, and purchasing of materials and overseeing the building and completion of this fine looking establishment. We thank him, for the construction workers, for all of Bishop Isai’s family, his wife and children helped where they could.
We must have hearts full of gratitude for God’s provision. We acknowledge this building is a gift and a result of God’s timing, grace and faithful prayer and assistance from members of the Church here in La Ceiba.
Bishop Nicholson solicits continued prayer for the UIMM outreaches in Honduras and around the world, and that all Moravians “Traditional & Moravian Revival” agree to work together in light of the soon return of Jesus Christ.
Bishop Nicholson shared at the dedication the following words – “And indeed we do pray for continual protection for the ministry from this building. We ask for safety and structural integrity through all seasons of its use. We know that purpose of this building is for worship, community healing, education, work and family gatherings. And that anyone who walks through the doors feels safe, respected and valued. And that this space is for God’s glory! And that within these walls, may love be shared, may truth be found, and may all who enter find rest and peace.” And the words, “Dear God, bless this building from roof to floor, from wall to wall, from foundation to all its coverings. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.”
The photos shown gives a glimpse into what it looks like. The pictures cannot show the awesomeness of this cathedral building holding a UIMM bishop. Frankly visitors are awed.
Note: According to the English dictionary a cathedral is a Christian church that houses the official seat (or throne of a bishop. The core meaning of the word comes from the Latin cathedra (meaning “chair” or “seat”), which traces back to the Greek kathedra. Historically and symbolically, the chair represents the bishop’s authority to teach, govern, and guide the diocese (the administrative region under their care). While cathedrals are typically grand, historic, and massive stone buildings—often featuring Gothic spires, large organs, and stained glass—size is not a strict requirement. Canon law requires only that the church building is consecrated, endowed, and chosen to hold the bishop’s seat.