Church History
Mount Tabor African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Mt Tabor is the church where members are both hearers and doers of God's word. We take seriously Jesus commandment to love one another and our mission to create disciples for Christ
In the latter part of 1883 on a winding country road, which is now known as Church Street, The first small mission church was formed by a minister, who saw the need for evangelism in Avondale. This early Christian, Rev. Lane Fander labored for a period of three years to build up this much needed mission church to meet the spiritual needs of the people. This period of adolescence was not, by any means, a striking success, but at the end of three years, there was much joy and promise.
In 1887 at the Annual Conference, Rev. Lane Fander was transferred to another A.M.E. Zion Church and the Rev. Stephen Bushrood was appointed the pastoral leadership of this mission church and he served for one year.. Rev. Stephen Bushrood was succeeded by many fine ministers thereafter.
At the Annual Conference of 1890, the Rev. Zachariah Brown was appointed the pastor of The First Small Mission church. He was magnetic and was blessed with charisma. His arrival marked a new beginning for The First Small Mission. Rev. Zachariah Brown saw the need to build a new place of worship. He stated, “This is a mission to build and to strengthen.” Rev. Zachariah Brown personally contributed money and obtained further contributions from his members as well as his friends. Despite many hindrances, personal sacrifices, and numerous delays, the Church was eventually completed.
The Church had a simple beauty and strong spiritual connection . It was built as the “Tabernacle of the Lord”, and when it was time for the dedication service, the people were filled with joy,
The Church became known as Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Zion Church and was officially dedicated on Sunday, May 15, 1891. Mt. Tabor joined the Philadelphia District of the Philadelphia-Baltimore Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church.
Mt. Tabor has survived the harshest challenges but continues to positively impact the character and life of the people in the Avondale community The Church continues to inspired hope, love, and courage among parishioners.
Mt. Tabor has had many fine pastors to serve over the last 125 years. Each has served in his/her own special God-given manner. They were individuals of strong convictions, positive force and a deep sense of calling. They exhibited great love for the parishioners and the community at large.
We resolve to keep our hearts and ears attentive to the voice of God and to continue to stand steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. It is our aim to be loyal to the Church of Christ until he presents us faultless before the presence of his Father and the holy angels on that day when there will be exceeding great joy forevermore.
The mission of the Mt. Tabor Church is to seek and to save that which is lost and to make disciples for Christ in those geographic areas exposed to the ministry of our Church.
Our vision is that we will cherish and perform the duty to tell the good news of Jesus Christ; to expand the Church community, one in spirit, sensing and responding to each other’s needs of support, caring and sharing; that we will praise God through a lively worship experience the sacraments and offerings; in thanksgiving, prayer, singing, he sacraments and offerings; that we will provide teaching and training to enhance the lives of our parishioners and community; and that we will serve those in need regardless of circumstances.
As the Lord had a plan for all those who have gone on before us, he has a plan for each of us to fulfill. We can only fulfill God’s plan and place by accepting his will.
Mt. Tabor is currently in the Harrisburg District of the Philadelphia-Baltimore Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Our Presiding Prelate Bishop W. Daren Moore; our Missionary Supervisor Mrs. Devita More; our Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Myrtle Bowen and our Pastor since May 2007 Rev. Dr. James Simmons.
Mt. Tabor church is on a mission to create disciples for Christ.
Humbly Submitted,
Church Secretary
o edit.
Mount Tabor African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
Mt Tabor is the church where members are both hearers and doers of God's word. We take seriously Jesus commandment to love one another and our mission to create disciples for Christ
In the latter part of 1883 on a winding country road, which is now known as Church Street, The first small mission church was formed by a minister, who saw the need for evangelism in Avondale. This early Christian, Rev. Lane Fander labored for a period of three years to build up this much needed mission church to meet the spiritual needs of the people. This period of adolescence was not, by any means, a striking success, but at the end of three years, there was much joy and promise.
In 1887 at the Annual Conference, Rev. Lane Fander was transferred to another A.M.E. Zion Church and the Rev. Stephen Bushrood was appointed the pastoral leadership of this mission church and he served for one year.. Rev. Stephen Bushrood was succeeded by many fine ministers thereafter.
At the Annual Conference of 1890, the Rev. Zachariah Brown was appointed the pastor of The First Small Mission church. He was magnetic and was blessed with charisma. His arrival marked a new beginning for The First Small Mission. Rev. Zachariah Brown saw the need to build a new place of worship. He stated, “This is a mission to build and to strengthen.” Rev. Zachariah Brown personally contributed money and obtained further contributions from his members as well as his friends. Despite many hindrances, personal sacrifices, and numerous delays, the Church was eventually completed.
The Church had a simple beauty and strong spiritual connection . It was built as the “Tabernacle of the Lord”, and when it was time for the dedication service, the people were filled with joy,
The Church became known as Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Zion Church and was officially dedicated on Sunday, May 15, 1891. Mt. Tabor joined the Philadelphia District of the Philadelphia-Baltimore Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church.
Mt. Tabor has survived the harshest challenges but continues to positively impact the character and life of the people in the Avondale community The Church continues to inspired hope, love, and courage among parishioners.
Mt. Tabor has had many fine pastors to serve over the last 125 years. Each has served in his/her own special God-given manner. They were individuals of strong convictions, positive force and a deep sense of calling. They exhibited great love for the parishioners and the community at large.
We resolve to keep our hearts and ears attentive to the voice of God and to continue to stand steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord. It is our aim to be loyal to the Church of Christ until he presents us faultless before the presence of his Father and the holy angels on that day when there will be exceeding great joy forevermore.
The mission of the Mt. Tabor Church is to seek and to save that which is lost and to make disciples for Christ in those geographic areas exposed to the ministry of our Church.
Our vision is that we will cherish and perform the duty to tell the good news of Jesus Christ; to expand the Church community, one in spirit, sensing and responding to each other’s needs of support, caring and sharing; that we will praise God through a lively worship experience the sacraments and offerings; in thanksgiving, prayer, singing, he sacraments and offerings; that we will provide teaching and training to enhance the lives of our parishioners and community; and that we will serve those in need regardless of circumstances.
As the Lord had a plan for all those who have gone on before us, he has a plan for each of us to fulfill. We can only fulfill God’s plan and place by accepting his will.
Mt. Tabor is currently in the Harrisburg District of the Philadelphia-Baltimore Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Our Presiding Prelate Bishop W. Daren Moore; our Missionary Supervisor Mrs. Devita More; our Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Myrtle Bowen and our Pastor since May 2007 Rev. Dr. James Simmons.
Mt. Tabor church is on a mission to create disciples for Christ.
Humbly Submitted,
Church Secretary
o edit.