History in Progress

Dr. Shirley Watts founded the Community Praise Center (CPC) April 11, 1994, which was intended to operate as a Revival Center where restoration, deliverance and healing could be achieved with-out denominational barriers. Then, in July 1994, she was ordained as a Prophetess and Pastor by the late Apostle Curtiss Lake, Jr., along with the Elders of the Deliverance Miracle Revival Center. She also hosted the number #1 Gospel Show, managed an AM and FM Radio Station’s Christian broadcasting operations for 7 years.

In November 1998, Pastor Shirley married Minister Clarence Watts, a songwriter and musician. Together, they have 10 children, over 33 grandchildren, and one (1) great-grandchild.

Then, as the vision and purpose intensified, God enlarged CPC’s territory to include, but be not limited to, the former Heav-enly Hair Salon, Heavenly Kids Academy, now serving infants through afterschool age children since 2001 and WPZM-PRAIZE 107.5-FM Radio Station, which broadcasts 24/7 locally and worldwide on www.lifestream.tv/praizegainesville since 2005.

In addition, CPC served as a Supplemental Educational Service Provider for the Florida Department of Education, which offers reading and math tutoring. CPC also partnered with Florida Works to provide job searching, training, GED assisting as well as tutoring services to adults.

PRAIZE 107.5 features gospel music, good news preaching, health updates, community news as well as interviews featuring World Icons, e.g., Dr. Bobby Jones, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Byron Cage, Myron Butler, Tye Tribbett, and Beverly Crawford; Civil Rights Activists, Julian Bond, Reverend Jesse Jackson; State Representative Corrine Brown; Attorney Willie Gary, as well as local officials too.

Other accomplishments include Minister Clarence and Pastor Shirley along with The Voices of PRAIZE releasing their debut Album, “Your Blessing Is On The Way,” featuring Punch Baldwin and Dorothy Norwood.