HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH

In 1975, Life Tabernacle officially began holding services in Bagley Township Hall with Rev. Wayne Hammonds as the pastor.  A year later the property at 2622 M-32 in Gaylord was purchased.  The original building was a 40 ft. x 60 ft. block building with a metal roof, and the first service was held there around Thanksgiving of 1976.

 

In 1984, construction for the new auditorium began with a 40 ft. x 60 ft. addition.  Through the years neighboring cities like Grayling, Petoskey, Mio & Cheboygan were evangelized as well.  Under the ministry of Rev. Hammonds, many have been baptized in Jesus’ name and filled with the Holy Ghost.

 

In 2002, a 2nd addition on the back of the present auditorium was built, for a total of three 40 ft. x 60 ft. structures. The latest addition includes the current Nursery/Toddler classroom, the Prayer Room/Adult Classroom, both offices for Leadership and two storage rooms.

 

In 2019 the church elected Rev. Paul Brown to become the new pastor and for him and his family to take the reins of leadership at Life Tabernacle.  This decision also promoted Rev. Wayne Hammonds, the founding pastor, to become the Bishop of the assembly.  This has been the only pastoral transition in the 45 years of the church’s existence.  
 

LEADERSHIP

Bishop Wayne Hammonds

Wayne and Ginger Hammonds became the founding pastor of Life Tabernacle in 1975 and have continued to pastor the church until 2019 when a new pastor was elected and he became the bishop. Bishop Hammonds is an ordained minister with the UPCI, has trained several men and women for the work of the ministry and has served in various organizational roles of the Michigan District.

 

Bishop and Sis. Hammonds are known for their friendly faces, welcoming spirits and gift of hospitality. Bishop Hammonds is also known for his love of the Word of God and passion for memorizing Scripture. He and Sis. Hammonds have three children--Gregory, Jennifer and Rebekah—and several grandchildren.
 

Pastor Paul Brown

Paul and Rebekah Brown became the pastor of Life Tabernacle in 2019 and relocated to Gaylord with their three children. In addition to preaching and teaching each week, Pastor Brown oversees pastoral care and the administration of Life Tabernacle. Sis. Brown leads the Worship Ministry and assists with teaching and administration. The Browns also work as a team along with the Hammonds providing pastoral care and leading the ministries of the church.


Pastor Brown is a minister with the UPCI and earned a Bachelor of Science from Rochester University. He and Sis. Brown both earned an Advanced Diploma in Ministerial Studies from Purpose Institute.