Our Story

Mount Tabor Baptist Church is a beacon of faith and community of love in Miami, FL, with a rich history that traces back to 1901. Originally established in the Black section of Lemon City, now known as Little Haiti, the church was founded under the leadership of Rev. B. E. Goodwin. For four years, Rev. Goodwin led the congregation in worship without a formal church edifice or school, gathering in members' homes, most frequently at Elijah H. Boles' residence. In his acceptance speech, Rev. Goodwin proclaimed, “We are a New Testament church... united in the belief of what [Christ] taught us, agreeing to what He has commanded and cooperating with other like bodies in Kingdom movements.”

Under the stewardship of Rev. A.J. Thomas in 1905, the church erected its first frame sanctuary on NE 68 Street and North Miami Court. This new building allowed for the establishment of Sunday School and the Baptist Young People Union (BYPU), nurturing the spiritual growth of the church’s youth.

A succession of pastors, including Rev. N. B. Williams, Rev. C.T. Brown, Rev. J.S.P. Watson, and Rev. J.T. Merrill, continued to build on this foundation. In 1924, under Rev. R. E. Edwards, the church sold its property on NE 68th Street and began constructing the current church building at 1701 NW 67 Street. Services were temporarily held at Liberty City Public School until the new edifice was completed in 1925. By 1927, a church parsonage at 1710 NW 67 Street was also acquired.

Rev. James N. Byrd became the eighth pastor in 1941 and added a much-needed dining hall to the church. Despite a period of turmoil and a split that led to the formation of Christian Fellowship Baptist Church, Mount Tabor remained resilient and committed to its mission.

Throughout the years, Mount Tabor expanded its services to benefit both members and the surrounding community. Initiatives included the Nurse’s Guild, the Junior Choir, a Day Care Center, free legal services for members, participation in establishing a Credit Union, and the installation of a community-informing marquee and neighborhood chimes. Fundraisers like Men’s Day, Women’s Day, and “Dual Day” under Rev. James Hendon helped support these activities.

The late 1970s brought significant challenges to Liberty City, including drug activity, prostitution, homelessness, and escalating crime and HIV/AIDS rates. These issues affected church activities and congregation involvement. Nonetheless, Mount Tabor persevered, buoyed by faith in God's faithfulness.

In 1989, Rev. Dr. George E. McRae was appointed as pastor, infusing new energy and vision into the church. He emphasized outreach, forming ministries to address various social and spiritual needs. Under his leadership, Mount Tabor became one of the first African-American churches in the country to establish an HIV/AIDS ministry. Other ministries included the JOB (Bereavement) Ministry, Street Ministry, Substance Abuse Ministry, Prison Ministry, Angel Tree Ministry, and Shoe Box Ministry. The church also hosted Narcotics Anonymous meetings and expanded its Feeding Ministry.

Rev. McRae stressed the importance of tithing and Christian stewardship, moving away from traditional fundraising practices. His leadership saw the church support the spread of the Gospel in Haiti and form bonds with sister churches in Atlanta, GA, Palatka, FL, and Miami-Dade County. After fifty-six years in ministry, twenty-six at Mount Tabor, Rev. McRae retired in September 2015.

Following an extensive nationwide pastoral search, Rev. Wendell H. Paris, Jr. was called to lead Mount Tabor. He brought incredible faith, a heart for God and His people, and a belief in the transformative power of God’s Word.

On June 18, 2024, Rev. De’Andre D. Burgs, affectionately known as Pastor Dre, was elected as Mount Tabor's next Senior Lead Pastor. His mission is to foster a “Love Movement”, that actively engages individuals at every level of faith, embodying grace, truth, and compassion. Today, Mount Tabor Baptist Church continues to welcome members from all walks of life. Our mission is clear: to move up, loving and worshipping God, to move out of the four walls and love the people of Miami, and to move in, loving the people of Miami to God by proclaiming the good news to the least, the lost, and the often forgotten. The church's varied testimonies to God's goodness affirm that God's love conquers all, and we are committed to serving and loving the people of Miami. Why? Because Tabor Loves