The founding of Life Tabernacle was in the year 1949 when three traveling ministers came to Ocala, set up a tent and began to hold revival services. Out of that six week revival, there was a group of people, who along with the guidance of Rev. M. O. Holt, decided to establish an Apostolic church. At that time, the church was called The Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. This group of people worshipped under a tent in the northwest part of Ocala for some three years.
A 24’ X 30’ building was located at 2211 NE 8th Avenue and purchased as the first sanctuary of worship. Rev. M. O. Holt remained as pastor until June of 1953 when Rev. John T. Bass was appointed pastor. In July of 1984, Rev. Wade Bass became pastor, and in 1991 the church name was officially changed to Life Tabernacle.
From 1953 until 1967 the church undertook several building projects to enlarge the facility to accommodate the growing congregation. Seeing the need in 1974 to build again, Pastor J. T. Bass began a search for a new location. In 1975, 2.5 acres was purchased at 2940 Northeast 35th Street, and a new facility was begun. The new church was completed in June of 1976, and the dedication was in July. A year later saw the addition of a fellowship hall which was completed in 1979. During the mid-80’s, a portico was added as well as a courtyard and covered walk-way to connect the two buildings. The parking lot was paved, and 4.74 additional acres was purchased for future expansion.
The vision of the future is to build a family life center, an outdoor pavilion, and ultimately, a new sanctuary.
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