KILLEEN, Texas — Family and friends showed their support for Bishop Nate Holcomb, the founder of Killeen's Christian House of Prayer, who died on Tuesday.
Channel 6 spoke with multiple people who knew Holcomb, and they all said he was a great man and preacher. While they said they're sad, they believe he is in a better place.
"Bishop Holcomb was not only a credit to his community, but he was a credit to the Lord because he really was a God-sent man," Eighth Street Baptist Church Pastor Roscoe Harrison said.
Mount Zion Baptist Church Pastor Charles Maze said he was shocked when he heard the news about his friend.
"He was what I call a gift of the body of Christ, and that should say enough right there," Maze said.
KPLE-TV, a Christian broadcasting station in Killeen took to Facebook to pay its respects to the late bishop.
"We at KPLE-TV were saddened by the news of the passing of Bishop Nathaniel Holcomb yesterday, November 27th. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the family of Christian House of Prayer.
"Bishop was a gentleman and a reflection of Christ’s love. He was a dear friend of this ministry having been a supporter and encourager from the beginning. He personally touched the lives of the staff here each time he came in to record a program or bring a gift," the post said in part.
Several other local churches and community member also shared their condolences on social media.
According to the Christian House of Prayer website, Holcomb was born in Philadelphia and came to Central Texas after joining the U.S. Army. He founded the church in the 80s with just 13 members, the church said.
Members of the congregation reacted to the church's Facebook post about the 66-year-old pastor's death and shared their memories of Holcomb.
"To have done as much as he had done over the few years that he had pastored that church, the way he had grown that church is remarkable," Harrison said.
The church said it still held its regularly scheduled 7 p.m. Wednesday service.
Maze said that reflects its old pastor's personality.
"He would tell people 'I'm OK,' then pick up the challenge and carry on the work," Maze said.
Holcomb's viewing will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Christian House of Prayer, the church said on Facebook.
The church also said on Facebook that his homegoing service will start at 11 a.m. on Dec. 6.
"He said 'I got a promotion,'" Harrison said. "And I said 'what promotion did you get bishop?' He said 'I'm able to look into the face of God,' and I think that is his promotion."