The History of New Tabernacle
The history of New Tabernacle can be traced back to the history of its many families... Families that have always believed strongly in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Families that believed in spreading the Gospel. Families that worked diligently to teach the children and to share the Word within the community.
Our church was organized from a small prayer band held in the home of one of its founders in 1923. The prayer band which was held at 2668 Filmore Street in Gary was led by Rev. S.L. Avery. After a while, the prayer band moved to 2665 Polk Place. Eventually, a more formal organization of our church was established. And, on the second Sunday in June, 1925 we were organized as Gary Tabernacle Baptist Church. By the early 1930's we had moved from worshipping in various homes in the community, to our current address 2416 Pierce Street.
In 1934, seven of our organizers signed the first title for the property. And, then in 1937 the church unanimously elected Rev. Cletie B. Curtis as Pastor. Under his 42 years of leadership, our church really began to grow. New ministries were 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 very important focus. In the mid 50's, the Youth Choir was reorganized. Pastor Curtis made a passionate plea during one business meeting in 1954 for the church family to... wake up and take an interest in our young and help train their minds in the right channels.
With all of the physical changes and spiritual growth happening, Pastor Curtis recommended our new beginning be reinforced with a new name. Our church name changed from Gary Tabernacle to New Tabernacle in the mid-60's.
The same kind of growth continued under the leadership of Pastor James Montgomery. Before Pastor Curtis' death in 1978, Rev. Montgomery had been selected by Pastor Curtis as his successor. Pastor Montgomery who had served in the church as an usher and then as associate minister, revamped the Sunday School structure to better serve the various member segments. Teachers were added to accommodate these needs. Our prayer discipline was more finely tuned with the initiation of the "Early Morning Prayer Service" which was held every second Monday of the month at 6:00 a.m. We continued to acquire property right here in our own community. New deacons were ordained, women were added to the Trustee Ministry, pews were refurbished, and the basement was established as the C.B. Curtis Fellowship Hall.
On the first Sunday in May 1996, Pastor Montgomery was in the midst of delivering the Word of God to his flock, when he was suddenly taken from us, but received in heaven. Our pulpit was declared empty, and it remained so until May, 1997. Rev. Chet J. Johnson, Sr., was selected as our new Pastor. Another new beginning was embarked upon by our church family. New ministries, emphasis on our youth, acquiring property, spiritual growth with the all-night prayer vigils and fasting led us to becoming even more involved in evangelism and spreading the message of Jesus Christ. These goals, direction and vision have continued throughout our 90-year history.
New Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church
2416 Pierce Street, Gary, IN 46407
Phone: 219.944.9650
Fax: 219.944.0108
Email: newtab2416@gmail.com