Church History

47th Church Anniversary – October 26, 2025

In 1978, the Lord spoke to Reverend R. L. McCray with the charge to organize a body of believers. In obedience to that call, Rev. McCray sought counsel with Deacon John Davis, and together with their families and faithful friends, the foundation of the Tabernacle of David Missionary Baptist Church was laid. Early meetings were held in the home of Deacon John and Sis. Annie Davis, with Rev. Robert and Sis. Beverly McCray, Bro. Fred and Sis. Jaunita Bailey, and Bro. Thomas and Sis. Ethel Weary. In these gatherings, the structure of the church was established, ministries were assigned, and the name “Tabernacle of David Missionary Baptist Church” was chosen, rooted in the organizing scripture:

“After this I will return, and will build again the Tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up” (Acts 15:16).

Early Years

The first worship service was held in October 1978 at the Vallejo Veteran’s Memorial Building, 444 Alabama Street. With Sis. Ladoris Collins serving as pianist and choir director, Bro. Richard Hayes on organ, and Bro. Fred Bailey as soloist, the spirit of worship was ignited from the beginning. Under Pastor McCray’s leadership, the Word was preached with power, and God added to the church daily.

As the congregation grew, God provided another home at 551 Sonoma Boulevard. Though the building required great work, the families labored together to transform it into a sanctuary affectionately known as “Little Tab.” At Little Tab, ministries flourished: new deacons were ordained, ministers were licensed, the choir grew directed by Sis. Karen Huff and musicians such as Melvin Carter, James Prothro, Ellis Thomas, and Henry Williams enriched the worship experience in song. The Pastor’s Aid, Mother’s Board, ushers,  and auxiliaries expanded, and worship was marked by prayer, music, fellowship, and a zeal for the Lord.

A Growing Ministry

By the early 1980s, the church had again outgrown its space. Pastor McCray was led to an old grocery store located at 1100 Lincoln Road East. Once more, the saints prayed, labored, and sacrificed to convert the building into a house of worship. In this season, leaders such as Rev. Henry Williams, Bro. Eugene Cole, and Sis. Celina Cole carried forward the church’s strong tradition of music ministry. The Usher Board, Nurses Guild, Matron’s Board, and auxiliaries continued to grow, serving both the congregation and the broader community.

Building for the Future

In 1992, Pastor McCray and the congregation were led to pursue an even greater vision — the construction of a new edifice. With faith, unity, and perseverance, the families of Tabernacle pressed through challenges and held fast to the promise of God. On October 27, 2002, during the church’s 23rd Anniversary, the congregation marched into its current sanctuary — a testament to the truth that “with God all things are possible.”

Continuing the Work

Now, in 2025, we celebrate 47 years of ministry, mission, and miracles. From a handful of faithful families to a thriving congregation of hundreds, God has directed every step. Ministries have been birthed, leaders have been raised up, and the gospel has been faithfully preached.

We honor the legacy of those who laid the foundation and those who have continued to build upon it. To the Deacons, Matrons, Ushers, Nurses, Musicians, Choirs, Teachers, and every servant in the house of God — your labor is not in vain. As Ecclesiastes 9:10 reminds us: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.”

Looking Ahead

Our charge remains clear: to glorify God, edify the saints, and reach the lost. As we reflect on 47 years, we give thanks for God’s unchanging faithfulness and look forward with expectation. The work is not finished. As Philippians 3:14 exhorts us, we must “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”

May history record of us that we carried forward the vision, remained steadfast in the work, and trusted God to complete the building of His church — until the Lord calls us from labor to reward.

To God be the glory for the things He has done.