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Our History
Path of Enlightenment
At Gospel Tabernacle, our doors are open to every soul seeking to welcome Jesus Christ into their hearts. We foster a community where we teach individuals to show their love for The Lord and for one another through worship and community service. Members of our church are those who build relationships with our family through community groups, volunteer activities, worship services, or learning. We welcome all individuals seeking God’s love. We teach the doctrines of our Savior in prayer and invite you to open up your hearts and allow his grace to penetrate into your soul and being.
God spoke to the heart of our Pastor, Dr. Clifford M. Terrell, and gave him the vision to start a church in Montgomery, AL. A “Church Built on Love” and its mission would be to reach the multitudes. Pastor Clifford M. and the late Mother Jean I. Terrell established Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in March 1987. The first location was on Wares Ferry Road. The church began with a congregation of about twenty members. In less than two years, God blessed us to move from a small storefront to our present location on South Perry Street.
Pastor and Mother Terrell were instrumental in affecting the lives of thousands of people in the local area and throughout the world. She had a passion for the youth and the elderly. Pastor Terrell had more than 47 years of experience serving in ministry and as Pastor of various churches across the nation. Many who served under his leadership are now Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists, Superintendents, Bishops, and most importantly, children of the Most High God, doing kingdom work.
Pastor Clifford Terrell
Immediate Past Pastor and Co-Founder
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Dr. Clifford M. Terrell was born in Norfolk, Virginia on November 11, 1949. He has earned and holds the following Academic Degrees: an Associate in Arts (AA), (University of Hawaii), a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA), (California State University), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), (University of North Dakota), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin), Pentecostal Bible College). He is a retired United States Air Force Commissioned Officer and a successful entrepreneur.
Dr. Terrell has more than 46 years of experience serving in ministry and as Pastor of various churches across the nation. He has established and pastored churches in Texas, North Dakota, Virginia, Ohio, and Alabama. Dr. Terrell has served the Church of God in Christ as District Superintendent, Jurisdictional President of the Department of Missions, Sunday School Superintendent, and Chairman of the Auxiliaries in Ministry (AIM) Convention. He also served as an Administrative Assistant to the Jurisdictional Bishop. Dr. Terrell served the National Church (COGIC) as a member of the Executive Committee of the General Assembly.
God spoke to the heart of our Pastor, Dr. Clifford M. Terrell, and gave him the vision to start a church in Montgomery, AL. A “Church Built on Love” and its mission would be to reach the multitudes. The late Pastor Clifford M. and the late Mother Jean I. Terrell established Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in March 1987. The first location was on Wares Ferry Road. The church began with a congregation of about twenty members. In less than two years, God blessed us to move from a small storefront to our present location on South Perry Street.
Pastor Terrell has been instrumental in affecting the lives of thousands of people in the local area and throughout the world. Many who began under the leadership of Dr. Terrell are now Prophets, Pastors, Evangelists, Superintendents, Bishops, and most importantly children of the Most High, doing kingdom work. He believed in developing men and women for ministry. Gospel Tabernacle has always been a training ground. Pastor Terrell’s love for Christ and His people is contagious. Throughout the years, Gospel Tabernacle established numerous outreach programs and made contributions to domestic and foreign missions.
Dr. Terrell was actively involved and served as an officer and board member of several Christian, Civic, and Community Organizations: twice a Chapter President of the Lion Club International; Montgomery YMCA Metro Board of Directors; Board of Director—Jimmy Hitchcock Award; Class 11 of Leadership Montgomery, and Past President of Central Montgomery Optimist Club. He was also the Past President of the Montgomery Ministerial Union.
On April 4, 2022, Pastor Terrell went home to be with God.
Pastor Terrell left behind his wife, Mother Frances Terrell, two Children, Elder (USAF Lt Col) Vincent Terrell and Valencia Holiday, and nine grandchildren.
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