History

            “One hundred and forty  years” of service is one of the finest tributes that can be paid to an institution: be that institution, secular or religious. Tabernacle Cosmopolitan Baptist Church is more than brick and mortar, it is people. People interacting, loving and discovering life together, but most of all, sharing a grand adventure faith, an adventure which has paid rich and rewarding dividends.

            As the congregation of this great Church takes the time to mark one hundred and forty years of service for the Lord, we reflect upon a past that is filled with pride and tradition, we hold steadfast to our faith in the present, and while we continue to grow as Christians, we look upward with our hope for the future.

            The Tabernacle Baptist Church was organized July 4, 1874, on the Northside, having thirty seven members at its inception. The Church was granted a charter by the County of Allegheny on April 29, 1879, for six years the membership of Tabernacle worshipped with Sandusky Street Baptist Church.  On September 15, 1880 the Church reorganized under leadership of Reverend George W. Elliot and with fifty three members they obtained a building on Federal Street which served as the place of worship for the congregation.

            Between the years 1882 to 1886 Reverend A. Lewis served the Church and helped to build a new structure on Howard Street. One of the outstanding pastors of the church during this time was Reverend J.C. Taylor serving from 1886 to 1892. He was instrumental in organizing the Allegheny Baptist Association, the largest and the first black Baptist gathering west of the Alleghenies. As it is with all young organizations, Tabernacle too, experienced its growing pains. This fact is exemplified in the number of ministers the church had during this short span of time.

                                    *January 1893 to January 1897 Rev. W. R. Burrell

                                    *February 1897 to June 1900 Rev. H.C. Robinson

                                    *December 1900 to May 1905 Rev. C.D. Patterson

                                    *June 1905 to September 1907 Rev. R. Spiler

                                    *June 1908 to August 1909 Rev. S.A. Jordan

 One of the most significant years for Tabernacle was 1913.  Having called Rev. C.D. Patterson in 1910, the Church was moved from Howard Street to Jackson Street, during this year the property on Jackson Street along with 28,000.00 dollars was exchanged for the present site, 1240 Buena Vista Street. The original cost at that time was 85,000.00 dollars and the seating capacity was for 2,000  people. The congregation moved into their new home in July 1913, Rev. Patterson remained until 1915 and during his tenure; the Church name was changed to Tabernacle Cosmopolitan Baptist Church.

During the next several decades, the leadership of Tabernacle Cosmopolitan changed many times:

                        *1916 to 1918 Rev. E.H. McDonald

                        *1919 to 1920 Rev. A.W. Nix

                        *1920 to 1922 Rev. T.L. Ballou

                        *1923 to 1924 Rev. S.G. Means

                        *1925 to 1930 Rev. L.L. Taylor

                        *1930 to 1934 Rev. A.M. Howe

                        *1935 to 1936 Rev. A.W. Nix (Recalled)

            These changes neither hampered the Christian growth of Tabernacle nor hindered its strength as a potential leader in the black Baptist community, for throughout the 1930’s Tabernacle Cosmopolitan became the “Mother Church” of five area Baptist Churches.

                        *Mount Zion Baptist Church of Bellevue

                        *First Baptist Church of Leechdale

                        *Good Hope Baptist Church of East Liberty

                        *Clark Memorial Church of Homestead

                        *Mount Olive Baptist Church of Sharpsburg

The 1930’s also presented the congregation with its greatest trial and biggest change.  In 1936 when the Church sanctuary was destroyed by fire many members became discouraged and joined other Churches leaving a membership of only 40 out of 500. These faithful few called a new pastor to lead them in the nearly impossible task of rebuilding. In 1937 Rev. L.G. McLeod answered the call under his leadership the church took on new life. With the dynamic spiritual fervor of this pastor, and the faith and determination of this congregation, the Church was rebuilt one section at a time until it was brought to completion on December 19, 1943. At this time the Church began a remodeling and addition program: the main auditorium and the flooring of the pulpit and choir loft were redone, a new pastor’s study and a choir room were added. New office equipment and a Hammond organ were purchased. Not only was the pastor faced with rebuilding a structure, he also faced the task of rebuilding the dwindled membership. Relying on the Master’s word (Matthew 28:19-20). “Go ye therefore and teach all nation…Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world”.   

Rev. McLeod persevered praying and trusting in the Word, (Acts 2:46-47). “And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Praising God and having favor with all the people”. “And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved.” Certainly the Lord blessed his efforts as the membership rolls swelled from 25 to 30 to 400. Rev. McLeod toiled and prayed at Tabernacle Cosmopolitan until his passing in 1967.

            In April 1968 the congregation called Rev. Dr. Leroy Walker Jr. Tabernacle Cosmopolitan experience another change as it became more “outreach oriented”. Rev. Walker envisioned a ministry

which was involved in and committed to the community. When a person becomes a Christian in the truest sense of that word, injustice and indignity must be offensive to him... just be fought and destroyed. Rev. Walker toiled and prayed at Tabernacle until April 1976.

In June 1977 Rev. Michael E. Thomas Sr. was called as the new pastor. His ministry continued in outreach as the black community in Pittsburgh fought for its civil rights. During this pastorate other improvements to the edifice were made, including new stained glass windows, carpeting, a new kitchen, new church doors and the installation of a baptismal pool. In 1983 the Church was able to pay off its total indebtedness of  8,000.00 dollars.   Rev. Thomas toiled and prayed at Tabernacle until June 1987.

Rev. Donus Crawford Jr. was called to the pastorate in July 1990. Through his length of service, 27 new members joined this Church family and several former members were reinstated. He was also instrumental in the upgrading of the sound system for the sanctuary.

            Sunday November 21, 1993, Rev. Samuel D. Searcy was installed as the pastor, having accepted the Church’s call in September 1993. Pastor Searcy’s priorities were proclamation teaching, evangelism and mission. Under his leadership Biblical esthetics were added to the sanctuary and the Church purchased a van in 1996. In April 1997, the Church pews were padded and upholstered. In 1998 the sanctuary was renovated, the choir stand was placed behind the pulpit and extended; an altar was installed allowing members to kneel before God with their petitions. Rev. Searcy served Tabernacle Cosmopolitan until December 2000.

            Friday September 7, 2001 Rev. Dr. James E. Slaughter was called to pastor this Church. He was installed November 10, 2001. Rev. Slaughter’s motto: “Every 1Win 10, Try God.” If you think you can do it that’s confidence. If you do it that’s competence. Under his leadership 16 have been baptized, 28 have joined or restored their membership. The Pastor’s Study has been extended and two additional rooms have been added, the nurse’s station and the trustee’s office. A new roof was installed and paid for in cash, 10,000.00 dollars from money that was raised having fundraisers and receiving pledges from the congregation. The interior and exterior of the Church was painted and three new awnings installed in the back. A computer was also purchased. Two ministers were ordained and another licensed to preach the gospel, two deacons are in training. Pastor Slaughter often talked about the “Sweet, Sweet, Sweet Spirit” in this place. It is the Holy Spirit, the love and Joy he restores. March 21, 2003 our beloved Pastor Slaughter went on to Glory, God called his warrior home.

In October 2003 the Tabernacle Cosmopolitan Baptist Church family called Reverend David P. Lee. He was installed on November 30, 2003. In addition to his fiery preaching, he has brought zeal and a new energy to get things done for the lord. “With GOD all things are possible” During Rev. Lee’s short tenure here, the Tabernacle family has increased by fourteen souls; twelve are new members and one reinstated. We now have an associate minister. Rev. Lee also has two new deacons on trial.

Pastor Lee is encouraging youth participation in the services by teaching them to play the drums. He offers drum lessons weekly to the children. Two of his students now play drums for the Praise and Worship devotional period and Sunday Morning Worship services. Pastor Lee is also active with the choir, he assist the musician with teaching inspirational music to enhance the music ministry of Tabernacle Cosmopolitan Baptist Church. “TCBC is on the Move!!!!” We pray for a long spiritual marriage between the Tabernacle Cosmopolitan Baptist Church family and Pastor Lee.

April 24, 2005 we celebrated 131 years of service to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Under Pastor Lee’s leadership over 65 additional people have joined or reinstated their membership, three babies were dedicated. He continues to encourage our youth to be active in the Church, we now have a bongo, drum player and a Praise Dance Ministry.

The renovation  is an ongoing process, the broken radiators and heating problems have been resolved.  A major crisis, the roof/ ceiling had a broken I-beam which caused stress fractures in the ceiling; the fear was that eventually it would collapse.   The root of the problem was the weight of the three air conditioning units.  Initial estimates for repairs were over 100,000.00 dollars.   Pastor Lee asked the congregation to make a pledge; we did and raised over  10,000.00 dollars.  The Lord blessed TCBC, the ceiling did not collapse and the repairs for the ceiling and roof was  less than  40,000.00 dollars, partly because the Pastor worked numerous hours with the contractor until the work was completed.   A new upright freezer was purchased for the panty.

Pastor Lee is a member of the Allegheny Union Baptist Association (A.U.B.A.) and Northside Pastor’s Alliance.  As a result of  Pastor Lee’s membership with this Alliance we have been blessed to fellowship with many new Churches the past year.

Under Pastor Lee’s spiritual leadership, Tabernacle Cosmopolitan Baptist Church will be  celebrating 132 year - Anniversary on April 23, 2006.  He has been blessed with the ability to present sermons that teach as well as inspire and bring joy to the soul.  Under his leadership over 83 souls have come to Christ or renewed there fellowship with the body of Christ.  His vision of increasing the ministries has started to come to fruition.

The music ministry has grown spiritually and physically with Pastor Lee’s nurturing and encouragement. TCBC has been blessed with a male choir and a children’s choir. Two deacons have been ordained and two deaconesses have also been appointed.  The pantry was completed this year and was well stocked by the Kitchen Committee.  A handicap accessible bathroom was installed and renovation was made to the Pastor’s Study and Financial Office.   

           Tabernacle Cosmopolitan Baptist Church  is still praising God for all the blessings He has bestowed upon our congregation and building.  April 29, 2007 we will celebrate 133 years as we continue to grow in numbers and spiritually under Pastor Lee’s leadership, we follow him as he follows “Christ”.   “Preach the word instant in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with longsuffering and doctrine”. 11 Timothy 4:2

            TCBC celebrated Holy Week which also included a sacrificial offering that enabled new tables to be purchased for fellowship hall. A new sound system was purchased and installed in the pulpit and will also include speakers to be installed in fellowship hall so that the service can be enjoyed by all.

        As Tabernacle Cosmopolitan Baptist Church celebrates another year of worship and thanksgiving in His church house, we are blessed to see the membership increase through baptism and Christian experience. As we enter into 134 years of service, “come as you are” is a statement that is evident at TCBC, we are all God’s children and we welcome everyone to come and be part of our family. Tabernacle has joined in fellowship with Greater Vine City Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA, accepting them as a Sister Church the relationship of traveling to visit each year has begun.

Let us all rejoice in the vision that God has given Pastor Lee, and the Spiritual growth and Love that is shown in Tabernacle Cosmopolitan Baptist Church.

            As we approach our 135^th Anniversary we are mindful of how God has Blessed this Great Church.  We don’t take for granted this building is here because of anything we have done.  The Lord has found favor with TCBC, souls have come to Christ, several baptisms have been done and a baby was dedicated.   Our Youth Ministry continues to grow, a bus was purchased to transport them  to fellowship and activities. Pastor Lee continues to lead us in Spirit and in Truth, our Church Family is in tact.  The bad economy has had a trickle down effect, but we are on a Spiritual High, because God has allowed us to witness the First Black President, Barack Obama.    What a Mighty God we serve.  We will continue to love and serve the Lord, and be grateful for all he has done.

         Entering into another year of  “Praise and Worship, TCBC has had many projects done to keep the Lord’s house in tact.  The sanctuary was painted, a new sidewalk was laid and our back wall was pointed and painted.  Carpet was installed in the children’s room along with the remodeling of the stock room.  The choir has been blessed with new robes and the level of our praise has been lifted up.  We continue to be thankful that TCBC is still rising for 136 years.

What a Mighty God we serve.  We will continue to love and serve the Lord for He is worthy.

        In 2010 the Praises went up and the Blessings came down, spiritual blessings.  We received fourteen New Members , six were baptized.  We have an Associate  Minister and New Deaconess.   Two of our young people received the Ida M. Tuner – Educational Scholarship, they were blessed with $300.  The emotional battles we went through as a Church Family we won, there is victory in Jesus.  We thank and Praise God for Pastor Lee’s leadership and commitment to this Church as we celebrate our 137^th Church Anniversary.  To God Be the Glory for all he has done!

       In May 2011, Rev. David P. Lee, Pastor,  resigned after seven years;  he is presently the Pastor of Greater Faith Baptist Church of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA.

       Rev. Earl Russell became our Spiritual Leader and in November 2011 accepted the call for Interim, Pastor.  The Lord also blessed us with an Associate Minister and Deaconess, five members have been added to the body of Christ, one of which was baptized.   The outside doors have been replaced and painted, the Pastor’s Study was also painted and decorated,  the office space down stairs has a computer and printer, we recently received a new organ.   We are grateful for the many blessings.  Our prayer to God is that He continues to strengthen and keep us.

        In May 2012,  the Tabernacle Cosmopolitan Baptist Church family called Reverend John M. Hollins for our Pastor.  On June 24, 2012 he was installed, he came with a message of love, “Love is the foundation on which the church must be built,  GOD IS LOVE”,  1 John 4:8.  There must be love within the Body of Christ.  “ Except the LORD build the house they labor in vain that build it.” Psalm 127:1.

       The TCBC family continues to work diligently to improve our beautiful edifice.  Improvements have been made  to Fellowship Hall and new office equipment has been purchased.  We have also  been blessed with a new van.

        During his short tenure six souls have been baptized, seven have joined with Christian Experience  and seven have renewed their membership.  Pastor Hollins, his wife and family are indeed a welcome addition to the TCBC Family.  We look forward to a long and blessed union with them.

        April 2013 up to the present, Pastor Hollins has been  faithful to preach and teach the Word.   Our vision “Laborers Together Empowered To Impact  the World for Christ”, the Pastor stated “ the harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.  My heart’s desire is that we might please God in all that we do and say, that we might grow in the Knowledge and Grace of the Lord reaching higher heights and deeper depths in him.!”   God ask us to cooperate in his work and worship.  He requires us to work with him and do our part.  “We are Laborers together with God, ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s  building.”       1 Cor. 3:9

God continues to bless TCBC with increased membership: five baptisms, one re-instatement and eleven Christian experience.  We have a Deacon –in-Training, New Minister of Music, The Youth Ministry and Choir  has been re-established.  The Faith Base Ministry, is in its initial stage, we want to reach out to help the homeless families in this community, this ministry is a huge undertaking, but we know there is nothing to hard for God.