South Georgia Church of God dedicates new rebuilt tabernacle two years after devastating fire in Tifton

TIFTON, Ga. – One local church in Tifton that was once reduced to rubble is now rising out of the ashes.

The Church of God tabernacle, a cherished church organization that stood for more than 50 years, was engulfed in flames on April 21st, 2022, after an electrical issue sparked a fire so devastating that firefighters called it one of the worst they’d ever encountered. The blaze, one of the largest in Tift county’s history, left the community reeling.

Heartbroken members of the ministry could do nothing but stand by helplessly, many shedding tears as they watched a place that had been a cornerstone of their faith and fellowship be destroyed.

“And, the flames were just shooting out of the building. And, it was just a feeling of loss. I’ve spoken here as a guest speaker before coming here as a minister, and to the heritage and the richness of this building, and the community of the Church of God in South Georgia is tied or was tied to that old tabernacle,” said Dr. Tony Cooper, Administrative Bishop, South Ga. Church of God.

But now, those same members who once wept are now filled with joy and anticipation as they celebrate in the newly rebuilt Church of God tabernacle.

“This is an awesome time of celebration for us. We’re going to dedicate this building for the glory of God for the purpose of the church, but also for the community. Because we love our community, we love Tifton, and we love South Georgia. And, this belongs to South Georgia. It doesn’t belong to me. I’m just a steward. I’m just a servant. And, that’s what I’m here to do,” said Bishop Dr. Cooper.

The new Church of God tabernacle will become a beacon of hope and renewal, with the capacity to holdover 1,800 members and serve the 215 to 220 congregations of the Church of God in South Georgia.

Administrative Bishop for the Church of God in South Georgia, Dr. Tony Cooper, reflects on the journey of rebuilding.

“As soon as the building burned, they had to get rid of the building, tear up the old pad, and then bring in contractors to make everything new. And, it’s been a long process. It’s been over a two year process. Getting all the contractors and, you know, just getting the finishing touches on the building itself because that’s what everybody sees. They don’t see the nuts and bolts of the steel and the insulation, the air conditioners and all those things. They come in and they see the painted walls, the mass floors, all the decorations and those things. But, it was a process and it’s been labor intensive. However, the pastors and the ministers of this state and their spouses and their families have come together to help us to accomplish everything that has been accomplished. And, we give God the glory for that, because without them, we couldn’t build the building. We couldn’t pay for the building, and we couldn’t exist,” said Bishop Dr. Cooper.

Bishop Dr. Tony Cooper emphasizes that this new building is more than just a place of worship – it’s a foundation for the community, designed to serve as a source of hope, support, and vital resources for those in need.

“Thank you, everyone who’s watching for your love for the church, because the church gives hope. And, we live in a time when people need hope. Our motto is: We Are The Church of God and We Care. And, so, we care for people. We care for the community. The disaster relief that we’ve had recently. All the things that we do in this community, it’s to pull this community together. This building is to serve this community as well. It has to be purposed. It can’t just be used as a church building. I mean, there’s probably graduations and ceremonies that need to take place and the community needs to come and experience this. And, we’re hoping that that’s what happens. And, I give them that invitation,” said Bishop Dr. Cooper.

The South Georgia Church of God held its tabernacle dedication ceremony service at 6 pm Thursday evening in Tifton.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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