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Victory Tabernacle, Thurmont

by Theresa Dardanell

“A hand of friendship will be extended. A heart of worship will be found. A Biblical message will be heard.” 

My recent visit to Victory Tabernacle confirmed the quote that was in the handout I received before the service.  The church, originally named Catoctin Gospel Tabernacle, was established in 1961 as an independent Pentecostal Church by Reverend Arnold Gooden. Pastors David and Hope Reynolds have served the congregation since 1983. Pastor David said that the church is currently a fully chartered member of the Pentecostal Church of God and that, “Victory Tabernacle serves as the Capital District Church, serving nine churches in the tri-state area. We also serve 69 military chaplains all across the globe as an Assistant Ecclesiastical Endorser.”

Their uplifting Sunday worship service begins at 10:00 a.m. The musical team leads the congregation in joyful contemporary music throughout the service, which includes a Scripture reading, a message, and prayers. The congregation participates with prayer requests and thanks for blessings received; there is also plenty of time to greet one another with handshakes and hugs. A special children’s church is held during the worship service. Communion is offered at Christmas and Easter.

There are plenty of opportunities for study and social interaction during the week. Men meet for Bible study on Thursday mornings; women gather for Bible study on Wednesday evenings; grandparents are invited for “table talk” to support and help one another.

The youth group meets on Fridays, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Along with Bible study, they enjoy games and snacks and work on community service projects.

Family events include grandparents night, gingerbread night, paint night, and more. A new College and Career Group for young adults has just formed,  and they will begin their community service with a nursing home visit in December. 

Outreach to the local community includes donations to the Frederick Rescue Mission, Thurmont Food Bank, Hospice, Catoctin Pregnancy Center, and a prison ministry.  Operation Christmas Child is one of the international organizations supported by Victory Tabernacle. Boxes of personal care products, toys, and craft items, along with personalized objects made by the children of the church, are packed in boxes and sent to children around the world by the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief organization. Missionaries in the Philippines are also the recipients of the generosity of the congregation.

Victory Tabernacle is located at the corner of Kelly’s Store Road and Catoctin Furnace Road in Thurmont. Paul Jenkins said that the members feel like family and that, “we look after each other. Guests are always welcome to become part of this family of God.”  Pastor David Reynolds shared the hope that, “people know that Jesus is alive and he loves them, and we love them and we want to worship together.”

Members of Victory Tabernacle.