Glory to God! The best is yet to come at the Pentecostal Gospel Tabernacle. This church’s story began with a solid foundation in 1932. Pastor Roderick Caesar Sr. founded Bethel Gospel Mission in Jamaica Queens. It started in a storefront. The church began with 12 charter members. It grew quickly. A small church building was purchased. The church was renamed Bethel Gospel Tabernacle.
Bethel soon needed more space. Pastor Caesar started an initiative. He wanted to build the present building. They still meet there today.
Years later in 1947, Pastor Caesar and his wife Sis. Gertrude Caesar started a Bible School. It was known as the Bethel Bible Institute. This was the first of its kind in Queens. It is still in operation today. God was truly doing a new thing at the Pentecostal Gospel Tabernacle.
Pastor Caesar wanted to preach the Gospel. He wanted to reach as many people as possible. In 1948, The Full Gospel Hour Radio broadcast was formed. The good news was heard on the radio. This became a long-standing outreach for the ministry of the Pentecostal Gospel Tabernacle.
Branch churches were later established. Pastors were placed over them. In 1962, Pastor Caesar was elevated. He became a Bishop in the United Pentecostal Council of the Assemblies of God Inc. He served as Eastern District Bishop. Later, he served as National Bishop.
Bethel saw the need for a place. People could encounter God outside of the city. In 1966, Camp Joharie opened in Canajoharie New York. It was a summer camp. Since then, children have enjoyed a Christ-centered summer experience. The Pentecostal Gospel Tabernacle’s influence reached far.
In 1984, the founder’s son Roderick Jr. was elevated. He became the lead Pastor. Under Pastor Caesar’s leadership, much flourished. The church grew. It became a 2000-member global ministry. It took the Gospel from Jamaica Queens to the rest of the world. Missions expanded greatly. The radio ministry thrived. Camp Joharie made a great impact. Bethel Bible Institute grew. In 1994, Pastor Caesar became Bishop. He became overseer of the Bethel Gospel Tabernacle Fellowship International. He added churches to the fellowship. He continued to lead the ministry into the 21st century.
Through the years, God remained faithful. In 2017, Roderick III became Bethel’s new Pastor. He is the founder’s grandson. Pastor Roderick III has been working diligently. He wants to expand the local missions ministry. He has continued to preach the Gospel. He leads with fervor and wisdom.
Under his leadership, they changed their name. The church is now called Foundation Church. They believe that God is with them. This is a new chapter. Their future is bright. There is much more work to be done. They are grateful for where they have been. They are excited for where they will go. Looking back on over 90 years of ministry, it is amazing to think that their story is just beginning at the Pentecostal Gospel Tabernacle.