“No Place Like Home!” That’s the motto of Christ Tabernacle Church. This saying encapsulates the welcoming spirit of this house of worship in Glendale, Queens.
Christ Tabernacle Church started in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, in 1985. The church quickly outgrew its original location. Ten years later, it moved into an old movie house dating back to the 1920s. The building was renovated and a balcony was added.
Today, Christ Tabernacle Church is a multiracial congregation of about 2,500 members. People come from all over the New York metropolitan area. The church embraces Latinos, African-Americans, and Caucasians.
English services are held on Sundays at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. A Spanish service takes place at 12:30 a.m. in a separate location. Easter and Christmas services usually have the highest attendance.
Like any growing community, Christ Tabernacle Church faces challenges. A significant issue is space. The auditorium is too small for the large congregation. The church has purchased two other buildings on the block. It also rents a storefront and uses a local high school. The high school provides another 800 seats and another campus for church services.
The people are the most prized possession of Christ Tabernacle Church. Almost all the people who started with the church 20 years ago are still members. They have grown together. Singles became grandparents within the Christ Tabernacle Church family.
Christ Tabernacle Church has been visited by high-profile figures. These include Congressman Anthony Weiner and New York Yankees pitcher Mariano Rivera.
After services, congregants spend time together. They share meals and arrange playdates for their children. They also offer support through hospital visits, funerals, and weddings. This reflects the strong sense of community.
Christ Tabernacle Church offers many services and programs. Its Youth Ministry is one of the largest in the city. Every Friday night, it reaches out to 700 junior high and high school students. Activities include spoken word, music, dance, and poetry.
Opening Day at the new building was a proud moment. Volunteers worked hard to transform an abandoned movie theater. They cleared debris and painted the space. Seeing it become their new church home was very rewarding.
Christ Tabernacle Church is looking for property or a larger facility. They want to expand their current campus.
What makes Christ Tabernacle Church special? The people do. The church is not just a building. It is made up of incredible individuals and families. That is according to Rev. Rafael Castillo.