The beginning of the Tabernacle as a formed body of worshipers began with a vision that God gave to a called man of God in the year of 1942. This man was a professional bridge builder, having built some of our great bridges across America. His name was James Roberts.  Having traveled from Jacksonville, Florida, to Bradenton, Florida in the Spring of 1943, he began to carry out the vision by establishing the first worship center, in a rented store front building in the east part of the city. The month was September 1943.  There were thirteen people in attendance.

The early teaching of the church was derived from a prophet of God, by the name of William Sowders, from Louisville, Kentucky. The formed church in Bradenton became a part of the fellowship of the general "Body of Christ" churches across America.  Not membership, but fellowship; the pathway of charity -- in essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things charity.  Not a religious denomination or organization, but a living organism.

The church today, the Bradenton Gospel Tabernacle, remains committed to its founding principles, after sixty years and two pastors.  Brother Roberts served the church from 1943 through 1960, and Brother John P. Marlow has served the church from 1960 through 2003.

Open praise, testimonies, teaching of the Word of God, belief in the second advent of Christ, the church being restored, the shed blood of Christ for sin's atonement, a sanctified life from the secular world, remains the strong principles of the Tabernacle. We invite you to take a closer look at us.