Christian Tabernacle Friendly Community Church of God In Christ - A Church Born Out of Due Season!In a small dining room in West Philadelphia, there gathered a man, his wife and seven dedicated believers to organize a church, while the couples' children, Reuben Timothy Jr. and Rachel Ann, were in the living room waiting patiently for the meeting to end. Little did they know that God was putting together one of His master plans; a great harvest and a mighty Tabernacle for His glory. God needed a man who was fearless, with strong determination, and one who refused to accept neither negative thoughts nor words of defeat, he found these impeccable traits in Bishop and Mother R.T. Jones, Sr. The church was organized in 1953 and originally named The Friendly Community Church. In the very beginning of his ministry it was prophesied by Mother Brooks that Bishop Jones, Sr. would obtain a church with many steps going up to the door. With no building or congregation, he could not imagine how this would come to pass. It was too early for him to foresee Gods plan. The first church service was held at 314 N. 57th Street upstairs over a Baptist Church. Bishop Jones, Sr. examined the words “christian” and “tabernacle” and their meanings. The word "Christian" meaning Christ-like and "tabernacle" meaning dwelling place. He began to view the church as a building where Christ-like people would dwell, thereby changing the name to Christian Tabernacle Friendly Community Church. The Lord blessed this small but dedicated congregation. Many came to help Bishop Jones, Sr. and eventually joined the church. Later, the church became a part of the CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST (COGIC), the largest Pentecostal group in America, under the leadership of Bishop O. T. Jones Sr. and God continued to add to the church according to His divine will such as to be saved. The CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST organization is a Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in which the word of God is preached, ordinances are administered and the doctrine of sanctification, holiness and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues as the Spirit give utterance, is emphasized, as being essential to the salvation of mankind. Still moving in God's will, Christian Tabernacle soon moved to 21st Street and Columbia Avenue, over the Golden Pheasant Restaurant. After a short time, they were asked to move by the owners but God had a “ram in the bush.” The “ram” was Rev. T. Lewis, Pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, who opened his doors to Christian Tabernacle on Tuesday nights for service. During this process, Bishop Jones, Sr. did not get discouraged. God continued to send on help! For instance, one of the members, Bessie Reed was very instrumental in the attainment of another building. Ms. Reed was employed by two Jewish brothers who were trustees over a little Jewish Synagogue on 22nd Street and she told them of her church and their need of a building for worship. The brothers told her to tell her leader to come and talk with them. Bishop Jones, Sr. met with them and a deal transpired that resulted in the two brothers accepting fifty dollars from Bishop Jones, Sr. to take the church off the market. Later the Lord laid it on the heart of Mrs. Rachel Jones (Bishop Jones, Sr.'s mother) to put up the deed to her home as collateral in order for the church to gain a mortgage. A mortgage was obtained with the Uptown Jewish Home for the Aged. This was a happy day for the hand full of believers of Christian Tabernacle; they finally had their own building! It was in this building where Mother R.T. Jones, Sr. and others would gather every first Friday night of the month for the consecration prayer where they would lay before the Lord in prayer until Sunday morning. The success of these prayers spread rapidly and many churches from surrounding areas (New Jersey, Chester, Delaware, etc) began to attend these prayer services and together they began calling upon the Lord for all mankind. God performed any miracles and souls set free and delivered during these consecration prayers. We believe that the people who attended these prayer services went back to their own church with stronger faith and hope. As time passed, the Lord continued to add to the church and a larger facility was soon needed. Consequently, Bishop Jones, Sr. purchased the Vogue Theater at 1905 W. Columbia Avenue, a run down building that needed much work. God gave Bishop Jones, Sr. favor with Rev. William Gray Sr., who introduced Bishop Jones, Sr. to Mr. Joe Pye who was a millionaire. The Lord touched the heart of Mr. Pye and he contributed the funds needed to help with the renovations of the Vogue Theater. God gave Bishop Jones, Sr., favor in all areas of the purchase of Christian Tabernacle during the time at 1905 W. Columbia. The word of God said in Jeremiah 29:11; "I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." The Lord inspired Bishop Jones, Sr. to have "The Great Revival". Many evangelists (male and females) came from across the country. Dad Cleveland, Ernestine Cleveland, Frank Smith, Richard Henton, Mara Gardner, S.S. Mitchell just to name a few. The congregation continually grew, but God was not finished with Christian Tabernacle because the prophesy of the steps going up to the door had not come to pass. In 1980, The Saint Mary's Catholic Church went up for auction. Bishop R. T. Jones, Jr. attended the auction and purchased the complex. On February 23, 1983, (after renovation) the church moved to their new home at 3050 N. 22nd Street. With steps leading up to the doors, a beautiful edifice which stands as a symbol of what God can and will do if we follow leadership and they follow God. Christian Tabernacle didn't just say the motto of the church but they embraced it. “I BELIEVE GOD!" The black onyx cross, onyx lectern and the lion's heads were purchased by Mr. Pye and put inside of Christian Tabernacle. From the days at the old Vogue Theater until this day the black onyx cross remains in the main sanctuary of Christian Tabernacle. Mr. Pye's venture of the purchase of a church has been a success even now. However, more importantly, God’s master plan is still unfolding for this ministry. Today God is moving by His Spirit and He continues to heal, save and deliver those who enter into the gates of this blessed House of Prayer. 
In 1953, our church was organized as The Friendly Community Church and later renamed as Christian Tabernacle Friendly Community Church of God in Christ. We are the abiding place for Christ-like people. We presently exist as a lighthouse to a darkened world. Of a truth, Jesus said, “Upon this rock I build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Our doors are opened and swinging on hinges of love. Our pews lend themselves for the comfort of hearing the gospel message. We are a Pentecostal, full gospel, charismatic church, which is based on the word of God. Our church is your church. We enter to worship and leave to serve. Since the days of our small, humble beginning and thrilling years of spiritual fellowship, the Lord has called our founders home to rest. However, the church still rolls on and the ministry continues to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today is an exciting day in the ministry of Christian Tabernacle. After much prayer and agony over the matter, a decision was reached to change our name. We needed a way to maintain the spirit and give honor to our founders of the ministry. In this vein, the new name of our ministry is now JONES MEMORIAL COMMUNITY COGIC. Although our name has change, the Spirit of God yet reigns. We now have 53 years of continued service to the body of Christ. With a new name comes new vision and new inspiration. Your prayers are needed during this time of transition. As for our founders, Bishop and Mother R T Jones Sr., may they ever rest in peace as we move forward in God. |
