Church History

On a Saturday afternoon in 1913, the Tabernacle Baptist Church was organized by the Rev. D.L. Davis.  Rev. and Sister Washington, Brother Sam Wiley, Tom Resino, Will Scott, Daniel Hampton, Homer Hampton, Henry Warren, Clarence Herrin, Claude Parish, Charles McKay, Sister Dora Cowans, Alice Warren, Frances Bowen, Minnie Resino, Eliza Tillman, Mary Washington, and others whose names we can't recall. Our church is 94 years old.  We started in an old store building on old Main street.  In 1914, land was purchased on South Broadway, and the first Tabernacle Church was built and the first Corner Stone was laid.  In 1932, a storm destroyed our church and it was rebuilt. In 1965, land was purchased from Mr. and Mrs. John Tibbs for our present building.  In 1977, a cornerstone was laid.  In 1988, Tabernacle Church celebrated its first homecoming and church anniversary combined.  The Church colors are blue, light blue, and white.  the Church theme:  Upon this rock I will build my church." (Matthew 16:18).  In 1991, land was purchased form the Rutherford family.  In 1994, the sanctuary was remodeled.  In 1995, a fellowship hall, conference room, pastor's study, two classrooms and two bathrooms were added.  In 1996, a parking area on the east side of the church was added and a church bus and church van was purchased.  Also in 1996, the Usher Dept.  was responsible for hate purchase of new doors in the fellowship hall.  In March 2000, a church nursery was opened.  In June 2001, the parking area on the west side of the church was added.  In 2004, the sanctuary was remodeled again.  New pews and pulpit furniture was purchased. In 2005, a room was added for the church nursery and a new pastor study was added.  Under the leadership of Rev. Smith, 467 members have joined the church. These recent additions were accomplished under the leadership of Rev. M.L. Smith. Former Pastors were: Rev D.L. Davis, founder, Rev Swiney, Rev K.V. Young, Rev Elijah Tomas, Rev W.L. Lewis, Rev S.A. Shelley, Rev T.H. Haywood, Rev Blair, Rev Flowers, Rev Martin, Rev P.G. Gates, Rev W.H. Lang, Rev Taylor, Rev J.S. McCormick, Rev J.L. Newmy, and our present Pastor, Rev M.L. Smith. We've had our ups and downs, faithful members and some with their names on the role.  All Of our old pioneers have passed away from the scene.  Today with the help of God, Tabernacle is still growing.