Sunday worship
Join us this Sunday
English Worship Service
English Worship Service in the historic sanctuary.
Sunday School
Sunday School classes in English and Karen, held in Thorn Chapel.
Holy Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month. Park in the church lot, entered from Clark Place, behind the Stanley Theater.
Announcements
What's happening
- No announcements right now.
Calendar
Upcoming events
- No upcoming events. Check back soon.
About us
Who we are
We are young, old and middle aged. We are longtime residents of the Mohawk Valley and recently arrived refugees from Burma. We live in urban neighborhoods, suburban subdivisions and small towns.
We are a diverse congregation that finds its unity in our calling to be the people of God, and a Protestant church affiliated with the American Baptist Churches, USA.
Responding to God's call in Jesus Christ, Tabernacle Baptist Church is a community of faith and love that seeks and invites people to discover purpose, promise, hope and help for daily living in relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our core beliefs
- The BibleThe divinely inspired rule for our personal faith and congregational practice.
- Soul freedomIndividuals must be free to make their own decisions in matters of faith.
- Priesthood of all believersGod gifts every Christian for ministry.
- Independence & interdependenceOur congregation is self-governing and works with denominational, ecumenical and interfaith partners.
- The Lord's SupperCelebrates Christ's sacrifice and is open to all Christians.
- BaptismBeliever's baptism symbolizes God's gift of new life in Christ.
- Open & inclusiveWe work hard to provide a place of welcome for all.
Our story
Two centuries on the same corner
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1819
Second Baptist Church of the Village of Utica
The First (Welsh) Baptist Church sends twelve English-speaking members to start an English-language congregation.
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1865
A new sanctuary and a new name
The congregation builds its current sanctuary and becomes Tabernacle Baptist Church.
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1905
Thorn Chapel
The educational building opens. It still holds the offices, fellowship hall, kitchen and Sunday School rooms.
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1999
The first Karen family arrives
After choosing to stay downtown, the church welcomes a nine-member Karen refugee family, the first of hundreds resettled in Utica.
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2000
Refugee Ministry Taskforce
Formed to lead the church's welcome, hospitality and service to new arrivals from Burma.
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2004
Validated Ministry
American Baptist Churches of New York State recognizes the refugee outreach as a Validated Ministry of the region.
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2013
Karen Language School begins
Karen mothers start Saturday classes; about 100 students enroll in the first year.
We take Isaiah 1:17 as our charge: to offer refuge, welcome and community to the oppressed, the orphan and the widow.
Leadership
Our leaders
Rev. Htee Gay
Leads ministry with the church's Karen-speaking members.
Rev. Dr. James V. Davison
Pastor from 1972 to 1984. With his wife Edith, he was instrumental in welcoming Karen refugees and starting the church's refugee ministry.
Ministries
How the church serves
The Ministry Coordinating Council guides three ministry teams. Each team has six members elected at the Annual Congregational Meeting for three-year terms.
Stewardship
Serves as the church's trustees. Cares for the building, grounds, finances and endowment, and leads the annual stewardship program.
Worship & Witness
Worship services, shepherding, membership, evangelism, fellowship, community ministries and mission support. Also manages the Fellowship Fund for neighbors in need.
Faith Nurturing
Christian education for all ages, Bible study, teacher training, the library, seasonal programs and camping.
Karen Language School
Keeping the language alive
Started by a small group of Karen mothers, the Karen School meets on Saturday afternoons and evenings. It teaches spoken and written Karen, supports students in the Utica City School District with tutoring and mentoring, and nurtures faith through Bible reading in Karen.
Enrollment now reaches beyond our congregation into the wider Karen community of Utica, with added transportation and teachers from local Karen churches.
The school's mission
- Teach spoken and written Karen
- Preserve Karen culture and serve the community
- Support academic success through tutoring and mentoring
- Nurture faith through Bible reading and memorization in Karen
- Promote good nutrition and health
- Empower Karen women as leaders and teachers
For members
Church life, in your pocket
Tabernacle members use the Gathering app for everything that changes week to week. This website stays the public front door.
- Announcements, including urgent weather closings
- Events calendar and Sunday service programs
- Prayer requests shared only with our church
- Group messages for teachers, choir, kitchen and more
- Karen Bible and hymns
Coming to Android and iPhone. Ask the church office for an invite.
Resources
Forms
- Building Use FormEmail or drop off at the office
- Sunday School RegistrationChristian Education Office
- Community Service ApplicationEmail or drop off at the office
- Volunteer ApplicationEmail or drop off at the office
- Church Scholarship ApplicationChurch office
Visit & contact
Find us downtown
- Address
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13 Clark Place Utica, NY 13501
Corner of Hopper and King Streets, one block east of Genesee Street, behind the Stanley Theater. Parking lot entrance on Clark Place.
Get directions - Phone
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315-735-7534
Fax 315-734-9030 - churchoffice@tbcutica.org
- Office hours
- Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Closed Fridays.