First Jurisdiction Celebrates at Holiness Tabernacle COGIC Grand Opening
Bishop Thomas Reminds the Jurisdiction to Build God a True Church
Woodbridge, Va – Bishop Ted Thomas and the entire Historic First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of Virginia came to celebrate with and dedicate Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ (HTC), where the pastor and founder is Assistant Superintendant Eddie B Pruitte, Jr., on Saturday, February 27.
"Brother Pruitte, you did a good job of building a meeting house so you can rejoice!" proclaimed Bishop Thomas. It was a day of rejoicing as the saints joyfully praised God for his awesome provision.
From its early beginnings in February 1998 in the Pruitte family living room, the Lord has blessed and grown the ministry and in May 2009 the Church was able to purchase its very own property in the northern Virginia region, right on the doorsteps of the Prince William County.
The sanctuary was packed as members, guests, visitors and friends came in to witness the historic event. In addition to church officials, Chairman Corey Stewart and Vice Chairman Michael May of the Board of County Supervisors were in attendance to show their support.
"Perhaps you’re familiar with this verse," began Vice Chairman May. "Blessed are those who are short in speech, for they shall be re-elected!" With that humorous introduction, both he and Chairman Stewart welcomed HTC to the county and thanked them for doing "what the cold hand of government" could not do to reach out to the community and today’s youth.
Coming from Matthew 16: 13-18, Bishop Thomas preached on The True Church. "Some folk in the church aren’t in the true church… the church the Lord purchased on the cross!" said Bishop Thomas. He went on to explain that when the believer became a part of the body of Christ, he was no longer his own, but belonged to God.
After the preached Word and altar call, Bishop Thomas led the congregation through the ceremonial litany of dedication for the new building.
"We the people of this congregation," came the thundering response of the church, "…dedicate this house as a temple, for the worship of the almighty God, in the spirit and name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen." Instructing the people to place their hands on the walls of the building, Bishop Thomas offered a prayer of dedication over HTC, that lives would be changed and become tabernacles for Christ because of the ministry.
With obvious, heartfelt emotion, Pastor Pruitte, with First Lady Vivian Pruitte at his side, expressed his thanks. "Holiness Tabernacle, I thank you for your support," he said, and then turning to Bishop Thomas, "The folk just support the work."
"Yes, 2009 was a year of toiling," continued First Lady Pruitte, "but I thank God for bringing us through it."
In addition to the building, Pastor Pruitte also announced the name of the community park that would be built on the adjoining lot as the Bishop Mason/Thomas Memorial Park.
"I believe in this church," said Pastor Pruitte, referring to the historic foundations of the Church Of God In Christ and the leadership of Bishop Mason. "This church gave me an opportunity." With steadfast conviction, Pastor Pruitte continued, "Bishop, you've got a church in Woodbridge."
Indeed, as the people prepared to head home one thing was certain: Holiness Tabernacle Church Of God In Christ was establishing itself as a true church in Woodbridge.