Faith Tabernacle United Holy Church of America

Can a single vision ignite a century of faith? At Faith Tabernacle United Holy Church of America, the answer is a resounding yes. Faith Tabernacle United Holy Church of America stands as a testament to the power of one woman’s dream. In 1922, Reverend Estella Black arrived in Washington D.C. from Kinston, North Carolina. She found no United Holy Church in the area. Driven by her unwavering faith, she started a prayer group with Mr. and Mrs. Abram Mitchell, former members of St. John UHC in Zebulon, North Carolina. In March 1925, their prayers were answered. Bishop General Johnson Branch officially established Faith Tabernacle United Holy Church of America. Reverend Black was appointed its first pastor. Under Reverend Black’s leadership, the church thrived. Her dynamic sermons drew many new members. The original location at 420 V Street, NW soon became too small. In 1942, the church purchased land at 49th and Central Avenue, NE for a new building. Sadly, Reverend Black passed away in 1947 before seeing this dream realized. The congregation, led by Elder George B. Morton and Deacon Board Chairman Fred McKeithan, persevered. They purchased a new site at 1015 D Street, NE. The first service was held there on December 31, 1948, and the building was dedicated on January 9, 1949. After Elder Morton’s resignation, Reverend Joseph Thomas Bowens became pastor in 1950. Under his guidance, Faith Tabernacle United Holy Church of America continued to grow. The church moved to its current location at 300 A Street, NE in 1964. Bishop Jeremiah M. McLaurin led the dedication service. Bishop Bowens led the church for over four decades, witnessing countless conversions and achievements. He also served as President of the United Holy Church of America from 1980 to 1992. Following Bishop Bowens’ passing in 1995, Elder Lorraine Barber served as interim pastor. Reverend Dr. James R. Love, Sr. became pastor in 1997 and served for ten years. After a period of transition under the guidance of several District Elders, Elder L. Frazier White II was appointed interim pastor in 2009 and elected pastor in 2010. He also pastored Faith Temple. In a momentous event in 2011, Faith Tabernacle and Faith Temple merged, bringing renewed energy to the combined congregation. The very ground Faith Tabernacle United Holy Church of America occupies has a long history of Christian service. It was the site of Waugh Methodist Church, established in 1853. Through fires, expansions, and renovations, the site has remained a place of worship, a testament to enduring faith in the heart of Washington D.C. The legacy of Faith Tabernacle United Holy Church of America continues.