About Our Church

Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1950, in the Central District of Seattle,
Washington, on the corner of 28th Avenue and South Jackson Street. During its 73 years, the church has been steadfast in serving the community and preaching the good news of the gospel. Tabernacle has seen five pastors in its seven-plus decade of existence. It has purchased several properties within the block and in the immediate neighborhood. Tabernacle has revised programs and services to meet the needs of the congregation and the community.

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Tabernacle’s founding Pastor was Rev. Hezekiah King Griffin, Jr. of Shreveport, Louisiana. In August of 1950. On April 18, 1964, Pastor Griffin resigned after thirteen and a half years of service. Reverend Alex Watson, a young Minister of the church was asked to provide pulpit services for the congregation. Rev. Watson served until Rev. B.A. Taylor was called in 1964 from West Virginia. Pastor Taylor served us faithfully for nine years before resigning.
 

Rev. Melvin Darden of San Diego, California was called to Pastor Tabernacle in February of 1973. Pastor Darden served until February of 1977. Rev. Clarence E. Henderson was next to lead the congregation. The mortgage of the new church building was paid off under Rev. Henderson’s leadership. Rev. Henderson served for five years before leaving in 1982.

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In June of 1983, Robert Lee Manaway, Sr. of Hattiesburg, Mississippi was invited to conduct a revival. The congregation met on July 12, 1983, and extended the invitation to Pastor Manaway to become the Pastor of the church. He accepted the call and began his Pastoral duties on the first Sunday of September in 1983. Pastor Manaway has worked to develop more opportunities for young adults, strengthen leadership capabilities, and expand missions and outreach. Pastor Manaway has also organized church and bible Institutes. These annual efforts enabled Tabernacle to feature and share powerful local and national preachers with the community.