HISTORY

The Tabernacle Baptist Church came into existence in 1926. The congregation first met in Queen’s Hall on Bradley Street for approximately one year. After much prayer and hard work, the congregation purchased a building and property at 1109 North York Street. On the third Sunday in July 1926, approximately one hundred members marched from Queen’s Hall to their new church on North York Street location. Tabernacle has always had great pastoral leadership. The great pastors who lead the church were Pastor Ezekiel W. Burke- 1926-1940, Pastor Paul B. Barnette – 1942-1968 (longest tenure of 24 years), Pastor Jason T. Scott- 1969-1978, and Pastor Vernon M. Worthy-1979-1989, Dr. Benjamin Hinton – 1991 – Present.

Under the leadership of the Rev. Jason T. Scott the church experienced tremendous growth and the facility became too small. The pastor, administrators, and membership began praying for a new church. Architectural plans were drawn for a new building, but the LORD had already designated the next church, which would bear the name of Tabernacle. The church was the Victory Baptist Church located at 519 West 19th Avenue under the leadership of Pastor James Revis. Tabernacle purchased the Victory Baptist Church building and property for $260,000.00. After a recent announcement, the church would become the Tabernacle Baptist Church on June 1, 1978. Pastor James Revis served and conducted the final service at the 19th Avenue location on Sunday, May 29, 1978. Later in June, Pastor Scott and the members of Tabernacle moved in a motorcade from North York Street to its present location. 

Rev. Scott later resigned after nearly eleven years of service and the Rev. Vernon Worthy was elected as pastor. He served the church faithfully for over 9 years and implemented numerous ministries. The Rev. T. S. Walker a retired pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church was asked to serve as interim pastor. He served for about seventeen months while the church prayed for God to send a new pastor. On the 4th Sunday in January 1991, the church elected Rev. Dr. Benjamin Hinton to serve as the new pastor. Under his administrative leadership God has tremendously blessed the church in all aspects.