Built on Faith: Mount Triumphant Opens New Sanctuary

By Journalist Dr. Ms. Jones

CLINTONDALE – The dream more than five years in the making came to glorious fruition on Sunday, September 28th as Mount Triumphant Church of God cut the ribbon and dedicated its brand-new sanctuary before a jubilant crowd of members, community leaders, and longtime supporters. The bright fall afternoon was filled with song, prayer, and heartfelt tributes as worshippers gathered for the long-anticipated dedication. The ceremony was more than a building opening—it was a celebration of faith, resilience, and community partnership.

Founding Pastor Rev. Ralph T. Cowan, who has served in ministry for over 30 years, reflected deeply on the church’s remarkable journey. Born in Jamaica, Cowan came to the United States in the early 1970s as a seasonal apple picker. Settling in Plattekill in 1971, he never imagined that he would one day lead a thriving congregation in the Hudson Valley.
“The House of God is built in Clintondale, NY! Praise God…We thank God. I came to this country as a farm worker and God has blessed us and given us land, given us wealth… No one is in bondage when you walk on this property. Amen, praise God. This is a place of freedom, a place of joy, a place of victory, and thanksgiving,” Pastor Cowan told the audience during the dedication.

In the late 1980s, Cowan noticed that land surrounding a propane building in Clintondale had fallen into disrepair. Seeing divine purpose in that moment, he purchased the property in 1993, transforming the once-neglected site into a house of worship. That modest building became the foundation for Mount Triumphant’s ministry, which formally took shape in 2004.

The beautifully landscaped new sanctuary sits beside the former one and seats three-times the amount of the former church. Inside it is adorned with warm wooden pews, sparkling chandeliers, and filled with natural light. It was constructed with extensive community support and financial sacrifice from members. Donations poured in from area businesses and individuals. Dean’s Paving, a local company, generously donated the expansive parking lot.

“We paved the other parking lot for free too… I’ve known [Pastor Cowan] since ’94, ’95. So, I’ve known him a long time,” said owner Dean Stanley, who gives generously to many churches and charitable causes. “So, I try to donate some stuff just for the churches if they need help. So, I’m a Christian. So, we try to support the churches if we can… You can never outgive God. We’re a cash register. The Lord gives it to us. We give it back. As fast as we give it, it comes right back.”

The ribbon-cutting was facilitated by Councilman John Fraino. He praised both the congregation and Pastor Cowan for their perseverance.

“I am blessed. I’m honored to be here… I’ve known pastor for a long, long time, from the days [of selling jerk] chicken on Saturday night and I’d come and buy chicken [to support the] fundraising…. I used to come every other Saturday. My wife and I love the Jamaican chicken… I’ve been following the church… I know he’s a Godly man… So, when the [town] supervisor asked [me to come]… I said, ‘Absolutely!’” said Councilman Fraino who also does a prison ministry at Dutchess County Jail regularly and is starting at Ulster County Jail soon.

Constructing a new tabernacle came with both setbacks and miracles. Setbacks included building the temple in the wrong direction than what was stated on the blueprints which required a septic tank relocation. Despite these issues, the church experienced miraculous financial support, including $10,000 checks and other significant donations. Pastor Cowan is thankful for the congregation’s consistent tithes and offerings, allowing them to build the church without debt.

“The bank said that they can’t lend us the money because they underestimate God. They saw us… They [thought] that we couldn’t pay it… We prayed and we asked direction from God and all of us agreed immediately that the Lord said we should lend and not borrow,” said Pastor Cowan who shared that the construction began during the pandemic when other churches were closing. “It was just very expensive because material, you have to pay double for some of it, triple for some because they claim they couldn’t get the material.”

Evangelist Carmen Samuels emceed the Dedication Service. Guest speakers included Pastor Phil Jackson who gave prayers of blessing. It concluded with a powerful message from the guest preacher Pastor Errol O’Connell, prayer, and a communal fellowship dinner— a fitting end to a day that underscored unity and thanksgiving. For Pastor Cowan, the dedication was a reminder of God’s faithfulness across decades.

“That [first church building] was a propane gas place and that’s where I purchased my first bottle of gas in the United States,” he reflected. “God has blessed us where we could plant the [new] Church of God.”

The dedication is only the beginning. Mount Triumphant Church of God will be holding services throughout the week leading up to a Grand Finale High Praise & Worship Service on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The church invites the community to join in worship, thanksgiving, and celebration as they continue to honor the opening of their new sanctuary. Mount Triumphant Church of God now stands ready to welcome the next generation of believers, continuing its mission as a “beacon of light” to the Hudson Valley.

Ms. Jones