History of Stratford Tabernacle
The Stratford, CT, tabernacle was established in July 2003 by Bishop Robert D. Grant. At this inaugural event, Acting Deacon Vanley Allen was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Grant. He was also appointed the overseer for the new tabernacle.
In November 2003, we became incorporated under the Not-for-Profit Law of the state of Connecticut. In December 2003, we received our taxpayer identification number and began the process of establishing our national tax-exempt classification.
Our journey of venues began in July 2003 and continued through September 2003, during which we worshipped at the Staybridge Suites in one of their meeting rooms. We quickly outgrew this location due to increased membership.
Our next leg of the journey was from September 2003 to July 2004, during which we held services at the Shelton Community Center in Shelton, CT. While this was a pleasant location, the availability was not always certain.
The next part of the journey ran from July 2004 to September 2005, and we found a more accommodating venue at the Bridgeport Community Health Center situated in Bridgeport, CT. This was a very appropriate venue for our Sabbath services. During the week, this space was used as a health center for the community. They did no business on Saturday and Sunday, giving us complete access all day Sabbath for as long as we needed. (This was ideal, especially for the summer months.) Unfortunately, the nonprofit's Director informed us that they would be expanding their community services and would need the space we were renting.
In September 2005, we relocated to a venue that had formerly been a bank and, at the time, housed an actual church. We entered into a rental agreement at our present location, 605 Barnum Ave., Bridgeport, CT. In December 2007, the owner agreed to sell the property to us. After much negotiation, we agreed on a purchase price, and in April 2008, we signed papers to become owners rather than renters.
Our Beliefs
We are the Church of God and Saints of Christ, indoctrinated in accordance with I Corinthians 1:1-2 and Ephesians 2:19-20 … “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the Saints and the household of God. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets; Jesus Christ himself being the Chief Cornerstone.”
We have ONE VOICE and ONE MISSION … Bringing Souls to Jesus Christ!
Our religious concept is best described as Israelite because it was completed and fulfilled by Jesus Christ, who was of the tribe of David. “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (St. Matthew 5:17-18).
We observe and keep the Sabbath (Saturday), Abib (April) 1 as the New Year, Abib (April) 13 as Passover Memorial, and Abib (April) 14-20 as Days of Unleavened Bread in accordance with the Gregorian calendar.