Pentecostal Tabernacle
56 Magazine Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
In the early 1900’s a great influx of immigrants came to the United States from the island of Barbados. seeking a better way of life. To many it was a new beginning, having to leave the warmth of a beautiful island to face the changing seasons of the United States.
The Great Depression of the 1930’s found many hard-pressed by unemployment. Those who worked, helped those less fortunate by giving from their meager earnings to help with food and clothing. They soon realized that they needed to be spiritually involved if they were to endure the hardships of life in America.
God used men such as George A. Phillips, Conrad J. Dottin and Alfred E. Cragwell to bring people together and form churches as “cities of refuge” for their souls. As they heard these men preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ they sought forgiveness through Jesus Christ and began to trust Him in His completeness.
Rev. Cragwell, pastor of the Christian Mission Holiness Church at 789 Main Street in Cambridge played an active role in the lives of these new immigrants. They would later form what is known today as Christian Mission Pentecostal Tabernacle, referred to hereafter as the Pentecostal Tabernacle.
On January 2, 1927, a place of worship was established at 888 Main Street, Cambridge and on January 9, 1927 the first service was held as the church opened to the general public. With a membership of about 25 people. Brother John Blackman was installed as Pastor.
On March 22,1927, the church was incorporated and accepted by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with all the rights and privileges thereto.
During this time the church at 888 Main Street had become too small for the growing congregation and the decision was made to purchase a building. After looking at several buildings it was decided that 5- 7 Austin Street, Cambridge (now known as Bishop Richard Allen Drive) would be purchased for the sum of seven thousand five hundred dollars.
Again, it soon became necessary that the church at 5-7 Austin Street be expanded. While planning for the expansion, Rev. Miller learned that the Swedish Baptist Church at 77 Columbia Street, Cambridge was relocating to Belmont, Massachusetts and the building was for sale. After many meetings with the Swedish Baptist Church Trustees the sale was consummated on June 2, 1947, and later that month it was dedicated to the Lord.
After Bishop Miller’s death Rev. Herman L.• Greene was appointed Pastor. On Sunday, January 24, 1987, Rev. Greene was installed as Pastor with Bishop Ezra N. Williams, National Bishop, UPCAG, Inc., Rev. Clayton M. Ward, New England District President, and a host of Elders officiating.
God implanted in the heart of the Rev. Greene to build the house spiritually, with love being the predominant theme, strengthened by prayer and teaching.
In June, 1995 Bishop Brian Greene was appointed as pastor and has served for the past 30 years. Under his leadership the church has expanded and purchased an additional sanctuary at 56 Magazine Street. The church continues the mission of preaching the Gospel and providing outreach to the people of Cambridge and surrounding areas.
Sources:
- Provided by John MacGibbon, Bishop Brian C. Greene, Debbie Plummer, Jeffrey Douyon. Courtesy of Pentecostal Tabernacle, 2025.
Follow the link below to watch “Pentecostal Tabernacle Black History Video for Cambridge,” courtesy Pentecostal Tabernacle:
Pentecostal Tabernacle Black History Video for Cambridge
Some images from Pentecostal Tabernacle:
