About Us
Christ Connection Ministries (formerly Christ Tabernacle) was founded in the early 1900s the date is not exact since it began in homes and through a series of evangelistic endeavors that were not recorded. Elder Luther Grey was the founding pastor. Other ministers who served before records were kept were: Minister Charles Jenkins of Middletown, OH and Minister Owen Carter of Dayton, OH.
Many ministers passed through here, several of which came to measurable prominence within the parent body, The Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.
Elder Lambert Tolbert served as pastor from 1930 until 1933. Under his leadership, 35 new members were added to CTC in one month in a tent revival.
Elder William Crossley who was pastor from 1933-1936 later locating in New York went on to serve as a Diocesan Bishop in the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.
The longest serving pastors in our church history were Elder Adam Pope (1939-1956) who led the church through a building project through the Great Depression and District Elder Bracy Ledford (1957-1984) who also served the international body on the Home Missions Board of our parent organization.
Dr. Harold Sawyer and his wife, the late Lady Martha Sawyer, served from 1984-1990. During Dr. Sawyer’s tenure, he served the organization as the International Christian Education President as well as serving on the state level. After moving to South Carolina, he was consecrated a suffragan bishop.
We are currently being led by Apostle John L. Fonzer and his wife Pastor Valerie J. Fonzer who came to us in 1990. Under their leadership CTC has moved into fivefold Kingdom ministry and has an extensive pastoral staff.
The church membership excitedly embraces its’ pastor’s international mission ministry in three countries of Africa as well as hosting and co-sponsoring the annual CHOSEN leadership conference that draws visionaries from the immediate region. Not only do we have a history; but we are making history by adding new names to the Lamb’s Book of Life!
