Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church has a rich history rooted in Dallas, Texas and still continues to grow.
Built On A Firm Foundation
Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone…
Ephesians 2:20
The Mount Tabor Baptist Church was founded in the early months of 1959, while plans to move Bishop College were being completed, and the development of the New Highland Hills Community was in progress. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Reverend Floyd D. Harris visualized the need for a place of worship of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in a young but growing community. In his effort to make this dream a reality, he began canvassing the neighborhood, knocking on the doors of new homeowners, and discussing with them his dream of a church in the community. After some favorable response 66 people met with Reverend Harris in a worship service. At that time 19 members joined the church, thus Mt. Tabor Baptist Church was organized on May 3, 1959. During the first year, the membership grew and the record shows: as of December, 1959, a total of 91 members had united with the church and had raised a total of $1,390.00.
Pastor Harris led the congregation into a building program and began a search for a location of the church. After a careful study, much prayer and faith in God, the pastor and members were able to purchase 3 1/2 acres of land at a site on the corner of Simpson Stuart Road and Highland Hills Drive. Having made remarkable progress in so little time, the members continued through prayer and sacrifice, raising funds, reviewing plans, and seeking financial assistance for a new building. With answered prayers the members of the Mount Tabor Baptist Church in June 1962, realized the fruit of their effort. For many years the Lord blessed our church and the ministry of Pastor Harris. By 1979, the church had grown to 1306 members. Our total financial contribution for that year alone was $186,095.39. By 1985, the church moved into a new sanctuary, equipped to seat 975 members and the church membership flourished to well over 2,000 members. On August 21, 1987, the Lord saw fit to call our beloved founder to his heavenly rest. He was succeeded by the Reverend Stephen C. Nash, Sr., Ph.D., on October 13, 1988.
After his arrival Pastor Nash developed multi-staffing in personnel. He appointed the first Assistant to the Pastor, Assistant to the Pastor over the Youth, Assistant to the Pastor over Drug Ministry and an Assistant to the Pastor over Bus Ministry. He also added an Administrative staff that consisted of Church Clerk and Pastor’s Secretary. Other staff members were also added.
In August, 1994, our church purchased 26 acres of land and refinanced the existing sanctuary. That debt was paid off in May 1997, as we celebrated a “Note Burning Ceremony”. During that time fourteen years, we had a weekly radio ministry on KGGR/1040 am, Monday-Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and have added 26 ministries to the church’s program. Twenty-six acres was purchased through our real estate arm, Tabor Holding Company.
Construction of our Family Life Center and office wing was completed in September 2002. The old sanctuary was converted to 18 classrooms and storage space in late 2003.
In 2004, our education wing was dedicated and named for our founder and wife, Revered Floyd D. & C.M. Harris Education Center.
We thank God for the late Reverend Floyd D. Harris, our founder, and for Dr. Stephen C. Nash, as we continue to strive toward the vision that He has for us.
