The Shadow
Gospel Tabermacle COGIC celebrated its 94th Church Anniversary Sunday, July 14th. Juanita Helton delivered the anniversary message. Dinner followed the service.
The History of Gospel Tabernacle COGIC – Celebrating 94 Years
Gospel Tabernacle COGIC was founded by Elder John Henry Jackson and Mother Maggie Jackson in the early 1930’s. The original name was just Church of God in Christ. Elder and Sister Jackson conducted house to house meetings until the first pastor was appointed in 1932. Elder Carstarphen was sent from Pennsylvania to be the pastor, and Mother Maggie Jackson, was appointed the first church mother, and District Missionary. The ministry spread from Covington to Clifton Forge, to Eagle Rock (which is now Jackson Memorial), and Buchanan. Together they formed the Northwestern District.
Many souls were saved and filled with the Holy Ghost. The first church building was built by the men of the church on the hill (Jackson), which is now Acme Avenue.
The following pastors served for short periods of time, Elder Griffeth, Bishop Rogers, and Bishop J. P. Dabney. The land that our old edifice at 414 S Mercer Avenue, Covington, VA was located on, was purchased by Bishop Dabney. Following Bishop Dabney’s pastorate, Bishop Wilder become our leader. Bishop Wilder, a builder in his own right, erected the building that we now use as our Resource Center.
Under Bishop Wilder the church grew immensely and many new ministries were added. Following Bishop Wilder. Bishop W. I. Hunter, Sr. became pastor and the church continued to grow. Upon Bishop Hunter’s death his son, Elder Warner L. Hunter, Sr. becomes pastor in 1986. Since that time, the church has grown in ministry and membership
Elder Warner L. Hunter realized that the existing church was too small to carry out the vision that God had given him. In 1992, after much fasting and praying and consulting with members, Elder Hunter stepped out on faith and began planning for the new church edifice. In 2002 the vision was realized and a new church was built located at 415 Alleghany Avenue. The Churches Jurisidictional affiliation was also moved to the Greater West Virginia Jurisdiction under the leadership at that time, of Bishop Henderson Wheeler. Elder Hunter served as Superintendent of the Northern District. The Lord saw fit to call Elder Hunter home in August 2009. At which time Elder Gregory P. Moore, Sr, was appointed and installed as the new Pastor.
Elder Moore, not only was the son in law of the Late Elder Warner Hunter, but one that Elder Hunter mentored for over 20 years. He served faithfully as Elder Hunters Assistant Pastor from 2002-2009. God has given Elder Moore a great vision to reach and win the lost. He believes that God wants us to prosper holistically and teaches and preaches that having Faith is essential to having good success in God. Souls have been saved, baptized and added to the ministry under his leadership.
It was the power of prayer that has kept the church growing and thriving for 94 years. Elder Moore has a vision to continue to reach the lost, and carry on the legacy of holiness. Gospel Tabernacle yet stands strong as a beacon of Hope 94 years later reaching the lost and broken proving not only spiritual enrichment, weekly Sunday worship, prayer, and Bible study. Functioning auxiliaries, Sunday School, Home and Foreign Mission. Choir, Youth Dept, Usher Board, Mothers Board, Pastors Aid, Hospitality. Gospel Tabernacle and its membership provide various community resources such as space for the hands of Hope clothes closet located at the former sanctuary, and the Soup Kitchen located in the fellowship hall. And our 12 step substance abuse and addiction recovery program “Overcomers in Christ”. We are thankful for all of the past leaders and founders who have gone on the glory and for staying the course. We Shall Not Be moved!!! Ps. 16:8
