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Antioch Tabernacle U.H.C.A. History
"We Come This Far By Faith"
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Antioch Tabernacle was born in the heart and mind of the founder, the late Bishop Joseph Thomas Bowens in 1965. Bishop Bowens, along with now Pastor Clarice L. Chambers and Deacon Albert Chambers traveled to Harrisburg from Philadelphia each weekend to have bible study and church services. Mother Rachel Cammack, who lived in Harrisburg, was traveling each weekend to Hackensack, N.J. to attend service with her home church, and she desired to have a local United Holy Church formed in Harrisburg. Her desire was fulfilled as Antioch Tabernacle was born.
For 15 years we worshipped at an edifice at 46 N. 12th St., which was a lodge house attended by Mother Cammacks' late father William Mack Kenley. He helped Bishop Bowens to acquire the building, which through much work and sacrifice was turned into a beautiful edifice for worship. Bishop Bowens was elevated to the position of General President of the United Holy Church. Antioch Tabernacle was then placed in the capable hands of then Rev. Clarice L. Chambers.
God's rich blessings have always been the cornerstone for every success at Antioch Tabernacle. God's great and abundant blessings moved the congregation from 46 N. 12th Street, to this current location in 1980 to better fulfill God's destiny for this church and it's people.
Lest we forget, Mother Lillian Johnson-Stevenson and Rev. Margaret Kent, who were our first members and have now gone on to be with the Lord. Their lives of sacrifice helped us to reach this plateau. Others who have followed them and made great contributions to the church are: Mother Anna Carson, Mother Virgil Coppridge, Mother Mattie McLurkin, Mother Louise Cross, Brother Alonzo Hairston, Sis. Winnie Brown and Brother Lenwood Cross. We will always remember the great and loving sacrifice our founder Bishop Joseph T. Bowens made in establishing this church. He taught us through example to make the same sacrifices for the sake of the gospel, in order to move God's program forward. He has left us a legacy and a rich heritage to continue moving forward.
Antioch Tabernacle is and has been the training ground for numerous ministers and ministries, among those who received their nurturing and training here are: Bishop Roberta Thomas of Fountain Gate Church and ministries, and Elder Kenneth White of Linconia Christian Center U.H.C. God has richly blessed the youth who have grown up in this church, and has blessed them to bring about the next generation that will inspire others to follow Christ, and lead Antioch into the new millenium.
Our vision is to continue reaching lost souls at any cost, being thoroughly cognizant that we have only one life and it will soon be past, and only what we do for Christ will last. We continue to celebrate the legacy of Antioch Tabernacle remembering from where the Lord has brought us, knowing that WE HAVE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH! We know and believe that "STEP BY STEP FAITH EQUALS VICTORY" and yes, "WE ARE FAMILY - REACHING IN, REACHING UP AND REACHING OUT".
The Pastor and membership of Antioch Tabernacle thank you for visiting our website, and trust that you will truly be blessed. May God richly bless you is our prayer.
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