On the first Sunday in January 1993, Tabernacle of Praise Church was founded and established by the late Pastor Thelma J. Brimmage. The building opened its doors with approximately twenty-five charter members. Those members prayed, sang songs of praise, and listen intently to the word preached by their beloved pastor.
On Wednesday, January 12, 2000, Elder LaVaughn Hughes, Sr., was introduced to the congregation of Tabernacle of Praise by Bishop L. N. Forbes, Presiding Bishop of the Original Free Will Baptist Churches of America, Middle Eastern District. Also, Bishop Forbes appointed Elder Hughes as the new pastor on January 12, 2000. Unanimously, a vote of acceptance from the leadership and congregation was conferred. Pastor Hughes began his duties as the new pastor of T.O.P. on Sunday, January 15, 2000.
In January 2000, there were approximately fifteen active members. Under the leadership of Pastor Hughes, Tabernacle of Praise continually grew and expanded its congregation. This opportunity, afforded Pastor Hughes to launch into full-time ministry in April 2004. After nine years of service with the Tabernacle of Praise, Bishop Hughes was appointed Pastor of Faith Temple No. 2 Original Free Will Baptist Church, following the retirement of founding bishop, Bishop L.N. Forbes.
On October 18, 2009, Elder Antonio M. Matthews was elected to serve as pastor of Tabernacle of Praise. Under his charismatic leadership, the following ministries were organized: The Marriage Ministry, The Singles Ministry, three deacons and two deaconesses added to the leadership team, an administrative team of leaders, The Member Affairs Director, The Leadership Institute, The Events Coordinator, and The Ministers in Training Institute (M.I.T.).
On September 19, 2010, Elder Antonio M. Matthews was installed at 6 p.m. at our mother church Faith Temple #2. The guest preacher was world renowned Dr. Jamal Harrison-Bryant, Empowerment Temple, Baltimore, Maryland. His charge was delivered by Bishop LaVaughn Hughes, of Faith Temple #2, to lead his parishioners in a Godly manner and to walk the walk of Godliness before his parishioners.
Original Free Will Baptist Church Affiliation
The Original Free Will Baptist (OFWB) Churches of America, Middle Eastern District is the parent organization of The Tabernacle of Praise Church. The headquarters of the OFWB Church, Middle Eastern District is originally named L. N. Forbes Tabernacle, which is located in Wilson, North Carolina.
The OFWB church organization is comprised of hundreds of churches, which span from New Jersey to Georgia. The head of the organization is Bishop L.N. Forbes, Presiding Bishop of the OFWB churches and pastor of Faith Temple #1, East Orange, NY. In 2008, the top Tier Leadership of the O.F.W.B. Conference was reorganized by Bishop L. N. Forbes and the Staff of Bishops; resulting in Bishop Hughes being repositioned as the 1st Vice President of the O.F.W.B. Annual Conference. The Staff of Bishops include Vice Bishops: Bishop Speakman and Bishop Leftwidge; one Administrative Bishop: Bishop J.N. Perry.
The OFWB churches are separated into districts for overseeing of the many churches within the Free Will organization. The Northern District (Northern District Union) has seven churches from New Jersey to Maryland; two churches in the Southern District; in North Carolina; and two churches in the Georgia District. The Tabernacle of Praise Church is part of the Northern District Union under the leadership of the Bishop LaVaughn Hughes, President.
The OFWB has many conventions and meetings throughout the year at various times. The Annual Conference is the convention in which all churches come together for meetings, celebration, and services. The convention is held yearly, beginning Wednesday through Sunday during the first week in November.