History

Faith Tabernacle was established in July of 1966 on the corner of West Home and Central Street in Vandalia, Missouri.  Pastor Smith moved to Vandalia in 1965 from Des Moines, Iowa.  Pastor Smith was led by the Lord.  He found an old apartment building and purchased it.  They were able to do this by Sister Smith gathering  local children and forming a choir called the “Splendettes.”  The choir received numerous invitations to sing at various churches and received donations for the building fund. Many local residents assisted in turning that apartment house into a church edifice. 

The church had a humble beginning.  They started out with the pastor’s family and two members.  Mother Anna Cheathum and Husband Deacon David Cheatum.  As the initial church building began to show signs of irreparable damage, it was torn down and a new edifice was constructed.  In October of 1983 the new building was dedicated and a mortgage burning service was held.  Bishop E. Harrison Moore presided over this service.  The church continues to thrive under the leadership of Pastor Richard Smith and the First Lady, Missionary Deloris Smith.  Faith Tabernacle serves under Missouri Western First Jurisdiction of Churches of God in Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Frank Henry Douglas Jr.