About Harlem Tabernacle
Harlem Tabernacle is born
Harlem Tabernacle Church was founded by Dr. Ernest Cameron and Pastor Barbara Cameron, prior to their marriage, in 1981. At the time, both pastors were members of other churches. The Lord guided the Camerons the name of their newly formed church and its first sponsorship, under the Greater Emmanuel Temple and the grace of Bishop McDaniel. The new church was christened, Greater Emmanuel Harlem Tabernacle. After the Camerons gained their own charter, the church was renamed Harlem Tabernacle Church. The Camerons held their first church services in the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Cameron. The first services were very simple; the Camerons played inspirational tapes from inspirational religious leaders, sang praises, prayed and discussed their vision for Harlem Tabernacle. Simultaneously, the Camerons began searching for a permanent home for the growing church.
Harlem Tabernacle’s First Home
Harlem Tabernacle found its first home in 1984, at North Presbyterian Church, on 155th Street. At Harlem Tabernacle’s first service, on January 6, 1985, the founders rented 118 folding chairs, a used lectern borrowed from Greater Emmanuel Temple and a keyboard. The founders were surprised when several hundred worshipers showed up from other churches; Greater Emmanuel Temple, Zion Baptist Church and a few others. They all banded together to hold the dedication service.
Dr. Ernest Cameron was installed as head Pastor, at 5:00 p.m., by his mentor Bishop McDaniel. Dr. Cameron stated, “The presence of the Lord [was] strong. He kept assuring us he was present.” He was responsible then and is responsible now, for all that happens at Harlem Tabernacle.
Harlem Tabernacle Today
The spirit that was present on January 6th, has been the guiding presence for Harlem Tabernacle, throughout its existence. His love and guidance has seen Harlem Tabernacle through both good and bad times. Times that: increased membership, created financial difficulties, through a significant leadership change and when the church lost members. Still the Lord helped Harlem Tabernacle to persevere.
Under the leadership of Dr. Barbara Cameron, and with the Lord’s guidance, Harlem Tabernacle continues to flourish. Like a flower growing through the cracks on a Harlem street, Harlem Tabernacle continues to flourish and serve the community. Its core mission is the exemplify the Word of the Living God. At Harlem Tabernacle, we strive to display all of the things that God can do, through us. The church’s history is being written daily, both on Earth and in Heaven. We take comfort in the fact His presence will lead us and we will stand on His word forever. “The God of Heaven, He will prosper us.” (Nehemiah 2:20).
OUR MINISTRIES
