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Street renamed to honor Tabernacle as it turns 110
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
YOUNGSTOWN
With a section of Arlington Street closed, silver and gold balloons floated above the Tabernacle Baptist Church in honor of its 110th anniversary.
To commemorate the anniversary of the church, the section of Arlington between Covington and Griffith streets was renamed Tabernacle Boulevard. A ceremony took place Sunday to dedicate the block and to honor the 20 people who have been members of the church for 65 years or more.
“We’ve got good roots, and we’ve been steadfast,” said Vernard Richberg, chairman of the church’s anniversary committee. “And at Tabernacle, we try to do God’s will. And so I think that’s been a part of why we’ve been here so long. Our legacy’s deeply rooted. And we just want to keep carrying on that tradition.”
The church has 350 active members.
Representatives from the city and Mahoning County attended the street dediation to congratulate the church members on the anniversary.
Vera Hackett of Youngstown was only 7 years old when she became a member of the church. It has now been part of her life for 87 years.
“My mother and father were here. My father was a deacon here. My father and mother both were baptized here,” she said. “And so this was the church they chose. So you stay where your parents are. And that’s why I remained here.”
Togetherness and unity are the reasons the church has lasted for 110 years, Hackett said. “People sticking together,” she added.
Rebecca Baker of Youngstown said the church is like a family. She has been a member for 75 years.
“This is where I was baptized, married, and this is where I went to Sunday school,” she said. “This is my whole life.”
It’s been a very important part of her life, she added.
Many of the honorees grew up together, Baker said.
“We went to school together, got married around the same time, had kids around the same time,” she said.
Included in the day were a dinner and a program honoring the long-term members.