United Community Builders is currently building a multi-million dollar community center in northeast Columbia called the Beacon of Light. It will be about 22,000 square feet, once it’s completed. Bishop Damian Dean with United Community Cathedral joined host Fred Parry in-studio for the hour Saturday morning on 939 the Eagle’s “CEO Roundtable.” United Community Cathedral is building the community center near Towne drive in northeast Columbia’s Whitegate neighborhood, which has high poverty. United Community Cathedral’s website says the neighborhood “is known for its high crime and poverty rates and the low academic achievement of its kindergarten through 12th grade students.” Bishop Dean grew up in north St. Louis and came to Columbia to attend college at Mizzou. United Community Cathedral is more than 50 years old. Bishop Dean tells listeners that the church aims to get people out of poverty and to help them find their purpose. He says the church wants to meet the needs of the community. Another priority for Bishop Dean involves respect: he tells listeners that the Columbia community must address the level of respect for authority. He says when you bring back respect, you bring back dignity. Bishop Dean emphasizes the importance of integrity, honesty and a work ethic. He also says it’s important to take the church outside into the community. The Whitegate neighborhood has a lot of children. During a recent visit, Bishop Dean counted 42 children playing in the street. That’s because there is no playground for about two miles. He says the Beacon of Light Community Center that’s about to become a reality will improve safety and benefit the entire town. Central Bank, Shelter Insurance, Columbia Insurance Group, former Mizzou football coach Gary Pinkel’s GP MADE Foundation and former Mizzou basketball star Laurence Bowers and his family are just a few of the many people and companies who have donated to the project. United Community Cathedral is still accepting donations: