Our Late Bishop
Elder R.T. McDonald's lived a life dedicated to serving the Lord.
He graduated from Texas Bible College in Houston, TX, with a Bachelor's Degree in Theology. He evangelized for many years and pastored for 38 years. He became well known around the world. Of his pastoral years, 30 were spent pastoring here at Apostolic Faith Tabernacle in Oklahoma City, OK.
He and his wife Karen McDonald dedicated their lives to this church. His great emphasis on prayer and the Word of God was influential for many, and countless lives testify to their effectiveness as a couple. His preaching and teaching have impacted and will continue to impact many lives forever.
Bishop R.T. McDonald passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2015, with his family, close friend Pastor Gary Howard, and faithful saint Sunny John around him. His son, Pastor N. T. McDonald, now continues his legacy in the pursuit of continued revival and remaining steadfast in the apostles' doctrine. Apostolic Faith Tabernacle honors and will never forget our Late Bishop, R. T. McDonald, and his wholehearted commitment to the kingdom of God.
Acts 2:42, KJV"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
We miss you, Bishop!
Our Matriarch
Apostolic Faith Tabernacle honors and loves Elder Sis. McDonald. Her godly example and faithful work in the kingdom of God is greatly appreciated. She remains an integral part of all that Apostolic Faith Tabernacle does, and continues to work behind the scenes in our offices as she always has. She is cherished by our congregation and by all who meet and know her. Romans 13:7, ESV, says we should give "honor to whom honor is owed." She has well-earned it!
Our History
Apostolic Faith Tabernacle began in the year 1960 in a little house off Linwood. The kitchen and living room were converted into a "sanctuary" by knocking down a wall. This opened space for the services, and the bedrooms were used for Sunday School classes. The church later moved to a storefront building and, further on, began renting a church from T. C. Hurley.
In 1962, the building process began for the church at 208 SE 62nd. Bro. Eddie Wray and the saints of the church put in the hard work to build the tabernacle themselves. The foundation was constructed by Bro. Matthis, while Raymond Christian and his father laid the blocks for the walls.
Around 2 years later, in 1964, Bro. Wray began traveling to evangelize. Jack Burgess became the pastor of the church for several years before Bro. Wray returned. Bro. Wray worked to raise money towards a Christian school and even had the foundation poured but left it unfinished.
In 1966, Melvin Haile came to pastor. He, his wife Joyce, and his mother-in-law, Sis. Saulters started the school within the church and continued the school building construction to completion. Bro. Haile left his pastoral position in June of 1969 and Bro. Wray returned until January of 1975, when E.T. McDonald began to pastor.
E.T. McDonald pastored for 8 years before his son, Rodney T. McDonald, became pastor on June 17, 1983. Rodney McDonald remained pastor for 30 years until July 26th, 2013. R. T. McDonald continued to help support the church in the role of a Bishop before passing in 2015. His son, Nathan McDonald, became pastor on July 28th, 2013, and continues to serve as the pastor of Apostolic Faith Tabernacle today.
