Brief History

History of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Inc. of Washington, D.C. 

The Tabernacle Baptist Church, Inc.(Tabernacle) of Washington, D.C. was founded and established by Holy men and women of God.

Its beginning was instituted by men and women who trusted in God, not leaning on their own understanding.

The Tabernacle Baptist Church, Inc. Had its origin in a tent as a mission in 1909. In 1911 under the leadership of the Late Reverend James A. Levi Washington, Tabernacle was organized and sanctioned as a Baptist Church by the Baptist Convention of Washington, D.C. and Vicinity. The TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH, INC. was incorporated October 08, 1913 and duly recorded by the Recorder of Deeds, Washington, D.C. On May 14, 1914 Tabernacle purchased two lots at a cost of $300.00, and a frame structure was dedicated on July 25, 1914.

The Late Reverend James A. Levi Washington was ordained and installed as Tabernacle’s first Pastor. The church adopted the “Hiscox Guide For Baptist Churches” (formerly “The Standard Manual For Baptist Churches”) as its official guide. Reverend J. A. Levi Washington served as pastor from September 03, 1911 to October 04, 1929.

One year later the Late Reverend Ernest Jerome Bradshaw was elected Pastor. Reverend Bradshaw tenure of office was from 1930 to 1936.

Following Reverend Bradshaw’s pastorate, the Late Reverend John W. Bundrant was elected Pastor. A Military service obligation shortened Reverend Bundrant’s service. Reverend Bundrant’s tenure of office was from 1937 to 1940.

The fourth pastor of Tabernacle was the Late Reverend George L. (G. L.) Washington. Under the Late Reverend G. L. Washington leadership great strides were made and worthwhile accomplishments were attained. Our present edifice and Educational Center are the result of his efforts. The Late Reverend G. L. Washington’s tenure of office was from 1941 to 1979.

In March of 1980 Reverend Dr. William Boyd Stroman, Sr. was installed as the fifth pastor of Tabernacle Baptist Church.  Dr. Stroman achieved many accomplishments. His accomplishments include the following: He established any new organizations, committees and functions to include: The Agape Love Fellowship; Tuesday Evening and Thursday Morning Bible Classes; Youth Bible Class; a comprehensive Lay Ministry; and the Christian Education Committee.  The Late Rev. Dr. William Boyd Stroman’s tenure of office was from 1980 to 2015.

On November 12, 2017, Rev. Dr. Clarence James Parks, JD, MDiv., was installed as Tabernacle’s 6th Pastor.  He brings 20 years of Pastoral experience.  In the one year he has been Senior Pastor of Tabernacle, Pastor Parks, along with church leadership, has analyzed the efficiency and impact of every ministry by conducting a SWOT Analysis.  Based on the outcomes of the analysis, Pastor Parks developed a comprehensive 5 Year Strategic Impact Plan designed to move the church forward in the areas of Service, Worship, Evangelism, Education, Pastoral Care, and Stewardship (SWEEPS).  Pastor Parks also promulgated a Church Financial Forecast and Budget designed to provide transparency and accountability.  In a very short amount of time, Pastor Parks has contemporized the worship experience which honors traditional forms of worship but also emphasizes vibrant, contemporary worship too include a praise and worship team called the Levite Ministry.  He also revitalized the church’s focus on reaching out the community.

The Tabernacle Baptist Church is very thankful to God for the progress it has made down through the years. We have had Godly leadership in our pastors beginning with Reverend James A. Levi Washington,Reverend Ernest Jerome Bradshaw, Reverend John W. Bundrant, Reverend George L. Washington and Reverend William B. Stroman. Under the pastoral guidance of its current leader, Rev. Dr. Clarence J. Parks, J.D., MDiv, Tabernacle continues to “ … press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus …”