History of Praise Tabernacle
CHURCH HISTORY
In the fall of 1978, Pastor William E. (Bill) Britt and his wife, Jean, moved from Hampton, VA, to plant a church. That September, they began with a small home group. Soon after, the church moved to a building on the corner of Bay Ave. and Maryland Ave. in Somers Point. This building had previously been a nightclub called The Rock Box. When they arrived, the walls and ceiling were painted black, there was no heat, and the winter cold made it a challenging start.
Next, the church relocated to the Fellowship Hall at the Episcopal Church on 11th St. in Ocean City. However, just two weeks later, the leadership informed them that their insurance policy would not cover the church, and they had to leave.
At that time, two Methodist churches in Somers Point merged and put their small white church—located at the corner of Bethel Road and Ocean Heights Avenue—up for sale. The church was able to negotiate a lease-purchase agreement, and a local Christian businessman offered to help secure a mortgage. However, when the time came to finalize the purchase, the church had only $2.00 in the bank and was unable to secure financing. In an incredible act of generosity, the businessman personally purchased the church and donated it—despite never having attended a single service.
In 1982, the church purchased 10 acres of land, which now includes a softball field that has hosted many championship teams over the years.
By 1984, the morning services had outgrown the small church, leading to a move to Egg Harbor Township High School. The transition was marked by an amusing incident—on the first Sunday there, a child pulled the fire alarm! Around this time, the little white church was put on the market.
In 1985, the land for the future church building was cleared. However, challenges arose when an Egg Harbor Township school board member raised concerns about the separation of church and state, forcing the congregation to relocate again.
But God was always one step ahead. The little white church was sold to the owner of Harbor Village Square, who turned it into a pizza parlor called Chubby’s. Meanwhile, he rented three storefronts in Harbor Village Square to the church, providing a temporary home while construction began on the new building. Another miracle occurred when Ocean City Home Bank, influenced by a personal connection, approved a mortgage for the church—an extraordinary feat for an independent congregation with no denominational backing.
Groundbreaking for the new building took place in 1985, with church members contributing a significant amount of labor. A memorable milestone was the installation of a massive steel beam over the carport. The men rejoiced in their accomplishment—only for a delivery truck to drive under it later and rip it out. This tested the congregation’s faith, but they persevered.
On November 2, 1986, the church held its first service in the new building, a momentous and joyous occasion.
In 1987, the Deaf Church was founded under the leadership of Celeste Herse and Ann Masselli. Two years later, in 1989, Pastor Tom Sappie was hired. In 1990, Pastor Britt transitioned to a church in Washington State and later moved to Virginia, where he continues to pastor.
The construction of the Family Life Center began in 2001 and, through the dedication of church members, was completed debt-free in 2003. That same year, Pastor Roger Perry retired as Senior Pastor, and Pastor Steve Rahter was appointed in his place.
In 2004, Joshua Kennedy was hired as Youth Pastor, and in 2006, Loraine Kennedy became the Church Administrator.
The church launched its Home Discipleship Groups in 2005, now known as Kingdom Expansion (KE) groups. In 2006, Pastor Sappie relocated to Sheppton, PA, where he founded River Mountain Church in the Pocono Mountains.
A major milestone was reached in 2008 when the sanctuary mortgage was paid in full, allowing the church to become completely debt-free. Praise the Lord!
In 2018, the church celebrated its 40th Anniversary, continuing to build upon its vision: People Restored and Inspired, Serving Everywhere.
In September 2023, Pastor Joshua Kennedy was installed as Senior Pastor of Praise Tabernacle, with Pastor Steve Rahter transitioning to Associate Pastor.
In the fall of 1978, Pastor William E. (Bill) Britt and his wife, Jean, moved from Hampton, VA, to plant a church. That September, they began with a small home group. Soon after, the church moved to a building on the corner of Bay Ave. and Maryland Ave. in Somers Point. This building had previously been a nightclub called The Rock Box. When they arrived, the walls and ceiling were painted black, there was no heat, and the winter cold made it a challenging start.
Next, the church relocated to the Fellowship Hall at the Episcopal Church on 11th St. in Ocean City. However, just two weeks later, the leadership informed them that their insurance policy would not cover the church, and they had to leave.
At that time, two Methodist churches in Somers Point merged and put their small white church—located at the corner of Bethel Road and Ocean Heights Avenue—up for sale. The church was able to negotiate a lease-purchase agreement, and a local Christian businessman offered to help secure a mortgage. However, when the time came to finalize the purchase, the church had only $2.00 in the bank and was unable to secure financing. In an incredible act of generosity, the businessman personally purchased the church and donated it—despite never having attended a single service.
In 1982, the church purchased 10 acres of land, which now includes a softball field that has hosted many championship teams over the years.
By 1984, the morning services had outgrown the small church, leading to a move to Egg Harbor Township High School. The transition was marked by an amusing incident—on the first Sunday there, a child pulled the fire alarm! Around this time, the little white church was put on the market.
In 1985, the land for the future church building was cleared. However, challenges arose when an Egg Harbor Township school board member raised concerns about the separation of church and state, forcing the congregation to relocate again.
But God was always one step ahead. The little white church was sold to the owner of Harbor Village Square, who turned it into a pizza parlor called Chubby’s. Meanwhile, he rented three storefronts in Harbor Village Square to the church, providing a temporary home while construction began on the new building. Another miracle occurred when Ocean City Home Bank, influenced by a personal connection, approved a mortgage for the church—an extraordinary feat for an independent congregation with no denominational backing.
Groundbreaking for the new building took place in 1985, with church members contributing a significant amount of labor. A memorable milestone was the installation of a massive steel beam over the carport. The men rejoiced in their accomplishment—only for a delivery truck to drive under it later and rip it out. This tested the congregation’s faith, but they persevered.
On November 2, 1986, the church held its first service in the new building, a momentous and joyous occasion.
In 1987, the Deaf Church was founded under the leadership of Celeste Herse and Ann Masselli. Two years later, in 1989, Pastor Tom Sappie was hired. In 1990, Pastor Britt transitioned to a church in Washington State and later moved to Virginia, where he continues to pastor.
The construction of the Family Life Center began in 2001 and, through the dedication of church members, was completed debt-free in 2003. That same year, Pastor Roger Perry retired as Senior Pastor, and Pastor Steve Rahter was appointed in his place.
In 2004, Joshua Kennedy was hired as Youth Pastor, and in 2006, Loraine Kennedy became the Church Administrator.
The church launched its Home Discipleship Groups in 2005, now known as Kingdom Expansion (KE) groups. In 2006, Pastor Sappie relocated to Sheppton, PA, where he founded River Mountain Church in the Pocono Mountains.
A major milestone was reached in 2008 when the sanctuary mortgage was paid in full, allowing the church to become completely debt-free. Praise the Lord!
In 2018, the church celebrated its 40th Anniversary, continuing to build upon its vision: People Restored and Inspired, Serving Everywhere.
In September 2023, Pastor Joshua Kennedy was installed as Senior Pastor of Praise Tabernacle, with Pastor Steve Rahter transitioning to Associate Pastor.
