By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
he Rev. Kenny Eldridge, who has spent decades on the forefront of gospel music and entertainment, was called to pastor last year and is now settling into his own church.
Christian Fellowship Tabernacle Church has been a fixture along Market Street in Youngstown for decades. The church was headed by longtime pastor the Rev. Philip Imler; now it is where the Rev. Mr. Eldridge and members of the newly formed Fellowship Tabernacle Christian Center worship.
Mr. Eldridge said the church was not actually for sale, but the Rev. Mr. Imler approached him and said the Lord had placed it upon his heart to sell the church to Mr. Eldridge. He said the entire transaction is an example of how God will work through his people to help his people.
"It was a blessing," he said. "It was truly a blessing."
Mr. Eldridge said the church has about 300 members. With nearly a quarter-century in the gospel music and entertainment business, Mr. Eldridge said services are filled with gospel music, but they also offer compelling teachings and the spoken word.
"We believe in touching the community and, it may sound corny, but just keeping it real," he said.
With that philosophy as a foundation, Mr. Eldridge hopes to see the church membership continue to grow. The church, which held its first service three weeks ago, has seen new members join consistently each week, he said.
His background
Mr. Eldridge, a graduate of The Rayen School and the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, is a keyboardist, singer and composer who has performed with many of the greatest names in gospel music.
He entered the world of gospel music 22 years ago at age 20 with an independently released instrumental CD. He then signed with a Los Angeles-based record label, then with Malaco Music and has released eight CDs worldwide. He also has produced music for other artists.
Mr. Eldridge founded the Jesus Celebration Singers in 1985. Together they have traveled throughout the United States and twice to Europe. The group was nominated for the Dove Award, a prestigious Christian music award, as well as two Stellar Awards and nine Billboard chart awards.
Mr. Eldridge was a member of Mount Zion Pentecostal Church on Hudson Avenue for 27 years and was installed as pastor at that church before starting his own church. He said becoming a pastor is something he was simply called to do.
"I was always called to ministry," he said. "You have to go where you are called."
Being pastor of the church, Mr. Eldridge said, will not end his musical career. His music, in fact, may play an important role in the church with plans to start a music academy in the church for children and adults.
Mr. Eldridge still has two recordings left on his current music contract. His next release, he said, will be recorded live in Youngstown and released in the summer.
jgoodwin@vindy.com