Doesn’t the name Faith Tabernacle of Tampa evoke a sense of steadfastness? Faith Tabernacle Mission was founded in 1978. It was founded by Pastor Marcel and Nicole Ternival in Croix-des Bouquet Haiti. The founding occurred under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Many souls have come to the Kingdom of God through their work. People have been delivered and set free by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Currently the ministry includes more than 40 churches. It also has three schools. A Christian radio station is part of it. The River Bible Institute of Haiti is also included.
Pastor Hojino Gay shared his experience. He began a personal relationship with Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday 1986. He was 17 years old. He says it has been an amazing journey ever since.
Faith Kids of Haiti school focuses on several needs. These are the educational needs. The physical needs are important. Emotional and spiritual needs are addressed too. They want to help Haitian children become future Christian leaders.
There was once a Faith Temple. It stood at 950 Fifth Ave S. Demolition began and the property became a parking lot. Barbara Reynolds was heartbroken. Her life was there. She was 12 years old in 1946 when she came there. Her father called Faith Temple the old glory barn.
The building was in terrible disrepair. It was eaten up with termites. The building had been on the market for about eight years. Liz Wallace was sad to see the building destroyed. She liked history.
Faith Temple was built by Dr. W.T. Watson. It was dedicated in 1925. During the Depression it was sold. It became a warehouse. In 1943 it again became a place of worship. The Rev. Mel Morris bought it.
Reynolds’ father was invited to preach at the church. He returned after Morris died. The congregation asked her father to take the church. He and his wife decided it was the Lord’s will.
Her father built a broadcast ministry. It was heard locally on WSUN. It reached into the Caribbean, Central America and Africa. Her mother, her sister and she always sang with him.
In the late 1970s Faith Temple would be demolished. This was because of the arrival of the interstate. The church moved to Largo. Leaming later returned to minister to the remaining congregation.
When he died in 1988 Ben N Nelson and his wife Nancy took over. They retired in 1993. Attempts were made to start various ministries. Faith Temple never reclaimed its glory days.
Faith Temple disappeared from the city’s landscape. But the memories remained. Faith Tabernacle of Tampa carries on the spirit.
Faith Tabernacle needs help purchasing a building. It will meet their needs. Donations will help them create a dedicated space. This space will be for worship. It will also support community outreach and spiritual growth.