Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Tabernacle  Community  Baptist  Churchwas organized in the year of 1922 under the name of St. Paul  Baptist  Church, with Reverend Hooks serving as pastor.  In 1926 Reverend Johnson became pastor and served for six years.  Reverend R. H. Foy became pastor in 1932 and served for four years.  During this time the Church’s name was changed to Tabernacle  Baptist  Church.

On March 15, 1936– Reverend Jewell Lawrence Williams was called to pastor Tabernacle with a membership of fifty-five.  As the membership began to increase, the church moved to two other locations during the 1940’s.  After learning that there was another church in the community with an identical name, through discussion – it was suggested that the word ‘Community’ be added to the church’s name; thus the church became Tabernacle  Community  Baptist Church.  On the second Sunday in June of 1946, the church marched to its first church building at 1632 N 10^th Street.  Due to an Urban Renewal Development project in the 1960 – the church had to move from this location.

In 1961, the church purchased our present edifice from Immanuel  Baptist  Church.  On August 6, 1961 we marched to our new church home.  Pastor Jewel L. Williams retired in February of 1977 after forty-one years of dedicated service. 

In July of 1977 – Reverend Robert L. Harris accepted the call to become pastor.  On October 30, 1977Reverend Harris was installed as pastor and served with a faithful and dedicated spirit.

During the 1980’s much work and improvements were accomplished and there were several additions of new ministries/auxiliaries that included:  the re-establishment of the Board of Christian Education; Jewell L. Williams Library; formation of the Angel Choir; regular Bible Study Classes; new and returning members orientation class; establishment of the Coalition of Aging which is chartered by the State of Wisconsin; Food Pantry and Prison Ministry.

During the 1990’s we continued to expand in internal and external ministry development.  This included:  foreign outreach to Faith  Healing Templein  Monvoria, Liberia, West Africa. As we completed the 1990’s, additional property was purchased for future outreach ministries.

As we entered the Twenty-first Century, experiencing God’s abundant Blessings – in an effort to reach out to our neighbors – we held our first Neighborhood Outreach Fellowship in October 2002; On January 20, 2004 – Tabernacle developed a partnership with Milwaukee Area Technical College which resulted in a site based GED Program.

After serving 30 years as Pastor/Teacher/Leader, Pastor Harris was called from his earthly labor on May 7, 2008.  He’s residing in the eternal residence of our Heavenly Father.

On May 17, 2008Reverend Paul Owens was elected as Interim Pastor of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church.

On September 19, 2009The Reverend Don Darius Butler was elected the sixth pastor of Tabernacle  Community  Baptist  Church.  He preached his first sermon as pastor on Sunday, October 4, 2009.

The Installation … this three-day celebration was held May 21-23, 2010.  On Friday, ‘An Evening of Sacred Song’ presented by the Tabernacle Celebration Choir; Saturday evening – ‘Black Tie Gala’; Sunday, May 23^rd – The Service of Investiture – The Reverend Don Darius Butler was installed as the sixth pastor of Tabernacle Community Baptist Church.

Throughout the history of Tabernacle  Community Baptist Church, various events and activities have occurred and other functioning ministries have evolved.