History of Victory Tabernacle SDCC

Victory Tabernacle Seventh-Day Christian Church: A Legacy of Faith and Service

Established in 1934 during the Great Depression, Victory Tabernacle Seventh-Day Christian Church emerged from a community seeking solace and guidance amidst economic hardship. Founded by individuals committed to observing the seventh-day Sabbath as outlined in the Ten Commandments and adhering to the principles of the Bible, the congregation initially met in various locations for eight years. On January 1, 1942, they dedicated their current home at 252 West 138th Street in New York City.

Over the past nine decades, Victory Tabernacle has been blessed with the leadership of several dedicated pastors:

• Elder Raynes Soaries (1934-1937)
• Elder Philip J. Bailey (1937-1964)
• Elder Henry Grant (1964-1972)
• Elder Dingwall C. Fleary (1972-1978)
• Pastor Garfield Hawthorne (1978-1982)
• Pastor DeForest (Buster) Soaries (1982-1985)
• Pastor Charles French (1991-2006)
• Pastor Desmond Johnson (2007-Present)

Each pastor, along with a dedicated lay leadership, played a vital role in shaping the church's identity and guiding its mission. During periods without a resident pastor, the congregation demonstrated remarkable resilience and continued to serve its community through the efforts of its members.

Victory Tabernacle has a rich history of community outreach.

• Educational initiatives: Vacation Bible School, youth retreats, and tutorial programs have provided valuable learning experiences for both church members and the wider community.
• Social support: Project SHARE, a program offering food assistance in exchange for community service, has been a cornerstone of the church's outreach efforts.
• Health and wellness: The church has actively promoted community health through workshops on AIDS education, domestic violence, and asthma awareness.

Looking ahead, Victory Tabernacle remains committed to expanding its service to the community through initiatives such as a revitalized tutorial program and a dedicated program for senior citizens.