Didn’t Jenny Benitez share her story? This remarkable woman inspired the Victory Tabernacle Seventh Day Christian Church. Let’s delve into the Victory Tabernacle Seventh Day Christian Church, a cornerstone of faith and community in New York City.
Victory Tabernacle Seventh Day Christian Church has a rich history. Its story began with a small group of believers. They gathered on December 3 1983. Their first worship service took place in a rented Episcopal church. The address was 4401 Matilda Avenue in the Bronx. Pastor Samuel Bulgin led the 84 charter members. They started as a company with a shared vision.
Growth marked the early days of Victory Tabernacle Seventh Day Christian Church. The Greater New York Conference recognized this. On May 26 1984, they granted the company full-fledged church status. It was officially named Victory Seventh-day Adventist Church. Pastor Raymond Saunders delivered the inaugural sermon. His message was titled Rendezvous on the Sea of Glass.
Victory Tabernacle Seventh Day Christian Church moved on January 10 1987. They relocated to another rented space. It was the Refuge Temple Annex at 716 E. 233rd Street in the Bronx. Before this move, members dreamed of owning a worship facility. They prayed sacrificed and showed great faith. They acquired the lot at 1271 Burke Avenue in the Bronx. This is where the church now stands.
Construction started on January 12 1989. The church faced many delays. Some members grew frustrated. Others found solace in God’s timing. They believed it would be completed in His time. The church membership grew steadily. By December 31 1989, it reached 302.
Finally, construction finished on September 27 1991. That evening, the pastor members and friends celebrated. They worshiped in the new church building for the first time. The next day was the first Sabbath in their permanent home. This was a moment of joy and relief. Three founding members had passed away before completion. Bertha Jeffries, Ephraim Swaby and Nelson Turner were remembered. Their contributions remain.
In October 1992 Pastor Bulgin was transferred. He had served for nine years. On November 17 1992, Pastor H. Hugh Maynard-Reid became the new pastor. After three years, he was transferred. Pastor Horace Russell was introduced on November 1 1995. The official opening took place during his time. It was May 26 1996. This marked twelve years since Victory was organized.
Pastor Russell was transferred in January 2001. Pastors Bancroft Daughma and Lincoln Smith then led Victory Tabernacle Seventh Day Christian Church. Pastors Howard Martin, Reginald Chery, Shane Vidal and Gregory Carrol also served. Pastor Daughma served four years. Pastor Easton Marks replaced him. Pastor Ernie Wright Jr. followed. After his sudden departure, Dr. Alanzo Smith became interim pastor.
In April 2015, Dr. Milton G. Gregory became senior pastor. On June 4 2016, Pastor Albert B. Peterson II became associate pastor. In its history, Victory Tabernacle Seventh Day Christian Church has grown. It has supported two new churches the South Bronx Community SDA Church and the Three Angels SDA Church. The church has welcomed many international preachers and singers. A committed membership has made this possible. Today, Victory Tabernacle Seventh Day Christian Church has 643 members.