Bishop led black denomination

Bishop S.C. Madison, 86, who led the United House of Prayer for All People, a black denomination based in Washington, D.C., with 1.5 million members nationwide, died Saturday at his home in Washington. Madison became ill after Easter Sunday, and church officials would not specify the cause of death.

He was the third leader of the denomination, which has 150 branches in 25 states, including California. During his tenure, he erected more than 100 sanctuaries nationwide, as well as multifamily housing, retail establishments and assisted-living facilities.

Before becoming bishop, Madison had been pastor of God’s White House in Washington since 1969. Known by the congregation as “Daddy,” he was born Feb. 24, 1922, and ordained as a minister in the House of Prayer in 1940.

The House of Prayer was founded by Bishop Charles Manuel Grace, who was known as “Sweet Daddy Grace.” He built the first United House of Prayer in West Wareham, Mass., and incorporated the church in Washington in 1927. In 1960, Bishop Walter “Sweet Daddy” McCollough took over the denomination. He died in 1991, and Madison succeeded him after winning a close election against McCollough’s son.