The once-magnificent Wildwood mansion that belonged to rap superstar Nelly has found itself under new ownership, and the current owner is raising eyebrows. St. Louis-based Kingdom of God Global Church, accused of being a cult, has acquired the sprawling 10,000-square-foot Tuscan-style estate, according to St. Louis County property records. This acquisition is part of a larger portfolio of high-value properties in the area owned by the church.
Led by 49-year-old David E. Taylor, the Kingdom of God Global Church also possesses a lavish five-bedroom, nine-bathroom residence on Timpaige Drive in Chesterfield, valued at $2.1 million according to Zillow. Additionally, the church owns another five-bedroom, 4 1/2 bathroom mansion near Babler State Park in Chesterfield, with a value estimated at $1.7 million by Realtor.com. In 2021, the church expanded its holdings by purchasing undeveloped land adjacent to the park.
The purpose of Nelly’s former mansion under the church’s ownership remains uncertain, but insights into the church’s activities provide some clues. A project manager contacted by the church to work on the Timpaige property raised concerns in a letter to the City of Chesterfield, noting that the church had numerous people staying on a property zoned for single-family use. The letter suggested questionable activities and hinted at a potential need for commercial rezoning.
The project manager recounted seeing luxury cars, including a Bentley and Rolls-Royce, in the garage and observed multiple beds in each bedroom. Allegedly, the property was being used as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center for young individuals. When the project manager informed the church about the need for permits for structural work, he was reportedly asked to leave the property, indicating a reluctance to have inspectors involved.
Further investigations revealed that the Kingdom of God Global Church had previously purchased a mansion on Wildhorse Meadow Drive in 2017, formerly owned by a member of the Imo’s family. Neighbors initially speculated that a celebrity or sports figure resided there due to the presence of numerous high-end vehicles. However, they later noticed unusual activity, including regular deliveries of bottled water and an excess of trash and recycling on pickup days. Witnesses reported families with young children entering the house, suggesting a high occupancy rate.
In total, the church, under David E. Taylor’s leadership, holds at least $4 million in real estate in west county. Additionally, earlier in the year, the church invested $8.3 million in a property in Tampa Bay, previously owned by Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, co-owner of the Buccaneers NFL team.
Questions surrounding the source of funds for these acquisitions have arisen, especially considering the church’s primary address listed on OpenCorporates is an apartment in Spanish Lake. Concerns about the church’s activities and financial practices have been raised in the past, with accusations of cult-like behavior and dubious fundraising tactics.
The church’s leader, David E. Taylor, has made controversial claims, including the ability to raise people from the dead. His over-the-phone dream interpretation services and other unconventional practices have drawn criticism. In a 2019 investigation, a former member labeled Taylor’s operation as a cult, citing exploitation and manipulative practices.
These revelations have prompted scrutiny from authorities, with the FBI reportedly making inquiries about the church’s properties. As the Kingdom of God Global Church continues to expand its real estate holdings, questions persist about its practices, financial sources, and the true nature of its activities in these acquired properties.