Augusta’s historic Tabernacle Baptist Church was founded in 1885 as Beulah Baptist Church by Rev. Charles T Walker. The church was housed in the old Adas Yeshurun Synagogue on Ellis Street for several years before moving to its current location on Gwinnett street, now named Laney-Walker Boulevard. Construction on the 2000-seat edifice began in 1914 and was completed in 1914. Seven pastors later, the church continues its legacy of being a leading church in Augusta’s black community.
This past August, the church celebrated 140 years with two weeks of events, including the unveiling of an onsite museum that highlights the church’s history and pastors. The museum was curated by Autumn Smith, historian and museum professional, and was funded by the National Fund for Sacred Places grant.
