The History of Life Tabernacle

Life Tabernacle was established on August 29, 1969, by Pastor and Mrs. Stan Kelley and two other families in a rented store building, now Spoonmore’s Store, in Springville, Indiana.

 In 1970, the growing congregation purchased two acres of ground located on Highway 54/58, in Springville, and a 40 by 70 foot basement was built and moved into in October of 1970.

 In the fall of 1972, construction was began on a new Sanctuary. The congregation labored together and saw a dream come true when they dedicated their new 90 by 70 foot Sanctuary in November of 1973, which was able to hold around 175 people. Later, in 1978, due to a congregation that was quickly growing, the Sanctuary was expanded with the addition of two wings to accommodate more people. This present configuration of the Church Sanctuary can seat up to 300 people comfortably.

 The beginning of 1980 saw the establishment of the Springville Christian School to fulfill the need of quality Christian Education in a world that was becoming increasingly mired in secular principles. Not only does the school fulfill the educational needs of the students, but it also helps the students build character and an appreciation of the values that have made America a great and God-fearing nation.  

To supply the need of a place for Christian fellowship, a 100 by 100 foot Family Life Center, complete with a gym housing a full basketball court, fellowship/dining room and kitchen used to prepare meals for various Church activities, was completed in 1982.

 In 1995, the basement, which in 1970 was the original Sanctuary, was renovated. School offices and the Assistant Pastor’s office were moved to new rooms in this area.

In 1997 the church realized a long time dream and purchase a local farm of 172 acres.  This will be turned into a recreational park for church functions and church members to take their families to a nice clean environment.  This is outstanding and something of everyone to look forward to.

 As the Church looks to the future, a new vision for expansion is on the horizon. Plans for the building of a new 500 seat Sanctuary have been drawn up, and this new vision of the future awaits to become the reality of the present. This new Sanctuary will be connected to the present building, which will be utilized as the facility for Children’s Church, a special service held on Wednesday nights just for children ages 4 through 11.

 Proverbs 29:18 says, "Where there is no vision, the people perish."

The people and leadership of Life Tabernacle are constantly looking ahead with a new vision of the future. This has always been a Church that was not content to find a comfortable niche to rest in, or to be satisfied only with past accomplishments. Just as the original early Apostolic Pentecostal Church of the New Testament was on the move and expanding with the fire and power of the Holy Ghost, so is the Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Life Tabernacle in Springville, Indiana.

YOU ARE WELCOME TO BE A PART OF AN EXCITING AND GROWING CHURCH THAT IS LOOKING TO THE FUTURE.

Page written & edited by Bro. Chris Merry