The History of Greater Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church

Greater Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church began its journey on July 29, 1930, when 55 faithful believers organized the Mount Tabor Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend C. L. Shatteen. The church was originally located at 5571 Russell Street and grew from the New Jerusalem Baptist Church.

Throughout its early years, Mount Tabor experienced seasons of transition and challenge. Pastors came and went, disagreements arose, and the congregation faced moments that tested its faith. Yet, through every trial, the members continued to trust God, stand together, and move forward. Under the leadership of Reverend H. B. Shaw, the church purchased property at 5414 Rivard, establishing a new foundation for its ministry.

In 1947, the church called the Reverend Dr. G. A. Long as pastor and, that same year, hosted the National Baptist Convention. Under Dr. Long’s leadership, the church was officially reinstated in 1956 as Greater Mount Tabor Baptist Church. During his pastorate, the church added a study, installed a new heating system, remodeled and paid off the parsonage, purchased a new piano and organ, and established strong financial credibility.

Following Dr. Long’s passing, the congregation called the Reverend Dr. Aaron Blackmon Sr. as pastor in November 1961. Under his visionary leadership, Greater Mount Tabor entered an extraordinary season of growth. On September 12, 1965, the congregation traveled by police motorcade from Rivard Street to its new home at 7345 West Chicago Boulevard.

The mortgage was burned in 1975, and the church continued to grow physically, spiritually and financially. Vacation Bible School was reinstated, facilities were renovated, new ministries were developed, young people received summer employment, families received food baskets, transportation was purchased, and the church supported mission work at home and abroad. In 1976, Greater Mount Tabor hosted the National Baptist Convention of America for the second time. During Dr. Blackmon’s remarkable tenure, ministers were licensed and ordained, fellowship relationships were established across the country, and generations of Christians were educated, encouraged and empowered.

 

Following Dr. Blackmon’s passing in 2000, the congregation prayerfully selected Reverend Maurice Rudds as its next pastor. Pastor Rudds was installed in April 2001, becoming the youngest pastor in the church’s history. Under his leadership, Greater Mount Tabor has continued to embrace change while remaining firmly rooted in the Word of God.
Pastor Rudds has strengthened the church’s focus on faith, family and fellowship; expanded opportunities for women in ministry; developed ministries serving children, youth, adults and senior members; encouraged academic achievement; licensed ministers; purchased transportation; and continued making improvements to the church.

From 2010 through 2014, Greater Mount Tabor continued its commitment to serving the community through Project LIVE. During those four years, the initiative made a significant impact by helping to save more than 1,000 homes, providing hope, support, and assistance to families throughout the community. Project LIVE stands as another example of Greater Mount Tabor’s longstanding mission to extend its ministry beyond the walls of the church and respond to the needs of the people it serves.

When the COVID-19 pandemic challenged churches around the world, Greater Mount Tabor remained united. Worship services, Bible study, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, meetings and daily prayer continued through virtual platforms. The church also partnered with community organizations to provide vaccinations, food, utility assistance, legal resources, housing support and services for hundreds of veterans and families.

Through changing neighborhoods, economic hardship, social challenges and unprecedented uncertainty, God has allowed Greater Mount Tabor not only to survive—but to prevail!

Today, we celebrate a church that continues to extend Kingdom-building beyond its walls. As Mountain Movers, we are committed to performing heroic acts in our homes, our church, our workplaces and our community. We look forward with excitement to expanding our ministry, strengthening our community, creating spaces where Christians can prosper and flourish, and continuing to bring souls to Christ.

For 96 years, Greater Mount Tabor has been built upon faith, sustained through prayer and strengthened by love. As we honor those who laid the foundation, we confidently embrace the future, knowing that our best days are still ahead.
“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.”
—Psalm 127:1

To God be the glory for the great things He has done, and for the even greater things He is preparing Greater Mount Tabor to do!