History

 

Church History

1923 – 2003

 

Our church was originated from a small “prayer band” held in the home of Bro. William Redding.  The “Prayer Band” which was held at 2668 Fillmore Street in Gary, Indiana was led by Rev. S.L. Avery.  In June 1925 we adopted the name GARY TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH.  Rev. Avery was elected as pastor.

 

In 1927, we were located at 2665 Polk Place, and in the fall, we moved to one of the portable buildings of Roosevelt High School (25^th & Harrison).  In 1930 we moved to 2509 Madison Street, and remained there until we moved into our current location at 2416 Pierce Street.

 

After the passing of Rev. Avery (1932), we were led by several ministers for brief periods of time.  In 1937, our pulpit was declared vacant until the church agreed to elect Rev. Clete B. Curtis as our Pastor.  He had been serving as the Northern Indiana District Missionary.

 

Rev. Curtis immediately took charge and begins his 42 years of service as our undershepherd.  Under his leadership, our really grow.  New ministry was established, property on which to extend the physical structure of our sanctuary was purchased, the Sunday School continued to grow, and the youth became a targeted focus.

 

In 1957, the Building Fund Committee was appointed by Rev. Curtis.  Their purpose was to develop effective ways in which to generate funds that would benefit the continued growth and building of God’s kingdom.  Many enhancements followed:  a library, drinking fountain, waste disposal and baptistery.

 

In 1965, we began a total remodeling project; expansion of the basement two new choir stands, new pews, a Pastor’s study, lights, pulpit furnishings, a choir room, usher room, new kitchen, carpeting, and a lounges for men and women.

 

Shortly after this major undertaking, Rev. Curtis reinforced our new beginning with a new name: NEW TABERNACLE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH.

 

After Rev. Curtis was called home, his vision and the will of God was continued with his successor Rev. James Montgomery (1978).  Under his leadership our spiritual and physical growth continued.  Rev. Montgomery revamped the Sunday School structure to better service the various member segments.  Teachers were added to accommodate these needs.  Our prayer discipline was fine-tuned with the initiation of “Early Morning Prayer Services” held every second Monday of the month at 6:00 a.m.

 

The beautification and maintenance of our edifice was continued in the 80’s and 90’s.  A new organ, ceiling fans, storage shed, the chair lift, central air conditioning, and more were acquired during Rev. Montgomery’s leadership.

 

Also for the first time ever, women were placed in untraditional roles in the church.  First, he added women to the Trustee Board (Sis. Venetia Brown, Sis. Alva Henderson and Sis. Maxine Joiner).  Secondly, after much prayer, meditation and deliberation he orchestrated the ordination of New Tabernacle’s first female minister-Rev. Michelle Willis (March 1995).

 

On the first Sunday in May 1996 Pastor Montgomery received his call to join the saints in heaven, and one year later the church elected our new Pastor.

 

As the legacy continues with the blessed leadership of Rev. Chet J. Johnson, Sr., our spiritual growth in the Lord, the community, the city, and the state continues in Jesus’ name.  During his time with us we are experiencing many positive changes.  Our focus is “EVANGELIZING”-“Decrease So God Can Increase.”