Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Zion Church has been a cornerstone of the Avondale, Pennsylvania community for 140 years. As we explore the beginnings of our church, we honor the memories of all who have labored in and loved this institution. Many have since gone home to be with the Lord. We thank them for lighting the torch which has been passed on to us. May we hold it high and pass it on unsullied and waving high.
Beginnings (1883-1891)In the latter part of 1883, on a winding country road now known as Church Street, the First Small Mission was formed by Rev. Lane Fander, who saw the need for evangelism in Avondale. Rev. Fander labored for three years to build up this much-needed mission to meet the spiritual needs of the people. This period of adolescence was challenging, but by 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 Rev. Stephen Bushrood was appointed as the new pastoral leader. After one year, Rev. Bushrood was succeeded by many fine ministers.
At the 1890 Annual Conference, Rev. Zachariah Brown was appointed the pastor of the First Small Mission. Rev. Brown, blessed with charisma and magnetism, saw the need to build a new place of worship. He stated, "This is a mission to build and to strengthen." Rev. Brown personally contributed money and obtained further contributions from members and friends. Despite numerous hindrances and delays, the church was completed.
The church was built as a "Tabernacle of the Lord." When it was time for the dedication service, the people were filled with joy, akin to the Israelites when the "ark of the Lord" came into the City of David: "They brought up the ark with shouting and the sound of trumpet." 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.
Growth and DevelopmentMt. Tabor has faced many ups and downs, but all things that are God-inspired are good. The church survived the harshest of times, measuring success not just by the number of passing years but by the impact on the character and life of the community. The church inspired hope, love, and courage among its parishioners.
Mt. Tabor has been blessed with many fine pastors over the last 125 years. Each served in their own special God-given manner, exhibiting strong convictions, positive force, and a deep sense of calling. They demonstrated great love for the parishioners and the community at large.
Key Contributions by Pastors- Rev. A. C. Duffie (1926-1928): Erected a parsonage.- Rev. Leslie E. Wilson (1983-1988): Erected a new Fellowship Hall.- Rev. Dr. Recie Springfield Jr. (1990-2003): Secured a church van in 1996.- Rev. Dr. James Simmons (2007-2024): Made significant improvements to the church edifice, including renovating the kitchen and fellowship hall, paving the parking lot, and repairing the foundation and outer structure. During his tenure, a virtual ministry was created during COVID-19, and he continued to minister to the spiritual needs of members and the Avondale community despite changing demographics.
Current LeadershipMt. Tabor initially joined the Philadelphia District of the Philadelphia-Baltimore Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Zion denomination and is now a member of the Harrisburg District. The current Presiding Elder is Rev. Dr. David T. Miller, and our presiding prelate is Bishop Brian R. Thompson Sr.
On May 23, 2024, Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Zion Church appointed a new young pastor, Rev. Roderick J. Josey. We are excited for this new season in the life of our church.
We pray that Mt. Tabor's steps will continue to be ordered by the Lord as we fulfill our earthly mission of Kingdom building and saving souls. Mt. Tabor has come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord. Thank you, Lord, for ordering our steps.
Beginnings (1883-1891)In the latter part of 1883, on a winding country road now known as Church Street, the First Small Mission was formed by Rev. Lane Fander, who saw the need for evangelism in Avondale. Rev. Fander labored for three years to build up this much-needed mission to meet the spiritual needs of the people. This period of adolescence was challenging, but by 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 Rev. Stephen Bushrood was appointed as the new pastoral leader. After one year, Rev. Bushrood was succeeded by many fine ministers.
At the 1890 Annual Conference, Rev. Zachariah Brown was appointed the pastor of the First Small Mission. Rev. Brown, blessed with charisma and magnetism, saw the need to build a new place of worship. He stated, "This is a mission to build and to strengthen." Rev. Brown personally contributed money and obtained further contributions from members and friends. Despite numerous hindrances and delays, the church was completed.
The church was built as a "Tabernacle of the Lord." When it was time for the dedication service, the people were filled with joy, akin to the Israelites when the "ark of the Lord" came into the City of David: "They brought up the ark with shouting and the sound of trumpet." 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.
Growth and DevelopmentMt. Tabor has faced many ups and downs, but all things that are God-inspired are good. The church survived the harshest of times, measuring success not just by the number of passing years but by the impact on the character and life of the community. The church inspired hope, love, and courage among its parishioners.
Mt. Tabor has been blessed with many fine pastors over the last 125 years. Each served in their own special God-given manner, exhibiting strong convictions, positive force, and a deep sense of calling. They demonstrated great love for the parishioners and the community at large.
Key Contributions by Pastors- Rev. A. C. Duffie (1926-1928): Erected a parsonage.- Rev. Leslie E. Wilson (1983-1988): Erected a new Fellowship Hall.- Rev. Dr. Recie Springfield Jr. (1990-2003): Secured a church van in 1996.- Rev. Dr. James Simmons (2007-2024): Made significant improvements to the church edifice, including renovating the kitchen and fellowship hall, paving the parking lot, and repairing the foundation and outer structure. During his tenure, a virtual ministry was created during COVID-19, and he continued to minister to the spiritual needs of members and the Avondale community despite changing demographics.
Current LeadershipMt. Tabor initially joined the Philadelphia District of the Philadelphia-Baltimore Annual Conference of the A.M.E. Zion denomination and is now a member of the Harrisburg District. The current Presiding Elder is Rev. Dr. David T. Miller, and our presiding prelate is Bishop Brian R. Thompson Sr.
On May 23, 2024, Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Zion Church appointed a new young pastor, Rev. Roderick J. Josey. We are excited for this new season in the life of our church.
We pray that Mt. Tabor's steps will continue to be ordered by the Lord as we fulfill our earthly mission of Kingdom building and saving souls. Mt. Tabor has come this far by faith, leaning on the Lord. Thank you, Lord, for ordering our steps.