New Life Apostolic Church History


The first place of worship was an empty Aquatic Club facility on Brick Church Pike. Rev. R. C. Mays joined with a group of people hungry for a church home to find an overgrown, abandoned Club House. We rented this building to form a brand new church in the Nashville area. Weeds were cleared, brush and trash removed, broken windows were replaced, and the yard was mowed. It was in this location that the vote was taken, "This Assembly shall be called Calvary Tabernacle."

Calvary Tabernacle's first service was on November 5, 1978. Our stay there continued through the cold winter of 1979. Even with good heaters, the place was extremely drafty and freezing cold. The glass in the doors and windows were continually vandalized, broken and smashed, but neither vandals nor the cold could quench the spirit of Calvary Tabernacle.

Brother Jack and Sister Charolyn Batson held the first revival for Calvary Tabernacle on March 28th through April 4, 1979.

The second house of worship was at Avondale Baptist Church where the facility was shared. Avondale held their services on Sunday morning, evening and Wednesday night. Calvary Tabernacle held their services on Sunday afternoon, Tuesday and Thursday nights. This remained true until either congregation hosted a revival, then we all fellowshipped together. There were visitors that came in on Sunday Afternoon expecting to worship with the Avondale congregation and were greatly surprised at the resounding praise and joyful worship of Calvary. It was at Avondale where Rev. Jack Batson became Pastor to Calvary Tabernacle.

Calvary Tabernacle moved to their first purchased facility located on Trinity Lane. This was a church that had been built by the vision of two special couples, the Spaight Perry's and the Luther Buchanan's. Through the purchase of the facility by Calvary, they saw that vision being perpetuated for years to come. The first service for Calvary Tabernacle was held on October 5, 1980. Dedication services were held on October 10th through the 12th, 1980, with Rev. Lee Coffman of Bloomington, Indiana as the guest speaker. The Church family grew tremendously during this time. Renovations began and a baptistery was built just in time for a memorable revival. We witnessed 32 people baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost in that revival. Calvary soon outgrew the facility on Trinity Lane and God began dealing with this congregation to reach out to a totally different location and community.

Moving to the fourth location of Calvary Tabernacle was a leap of faith. The first serice held in the new building was June 2, 1985. This was a building that could seat 300 providing ample room to grow, but it was clear across town from where home had been for so long. There was Sunday school room after Sunday School room in the basement, providing no more cramped classes. Sister Geraldine Starrick began calculating just how many children she could fit into her van and even began talking about a new van. Dedication service were held July 1985, Rev. Bobby Ritchie from Denham Springs, Louisiana as guest speaker.

In 1989 Calvary Tabernacle was remodeled, the front steps were removed and an entrance hall was added. a handicap ramp was installed and a brand new sign was placed along with landscaping to add the finishing touches. Calvary had settled in to stay forever, but God had other plans. God provided the means to purchase land to build an outreach center. But God provided purchasers for Bethany Apostolic and for Calvary Tabernacle without ever putting up a for sale sign. As the people reeled with amazement a different spirit settled among the congregation, the people had a mind to work and renovated a portion of the gym that had been built to serve as a temporary location until a new facility could be built.

Bethany Apostolic Church was born from a vision of Rev. Jack Batson to reach the Ashland City communtiy with the Gospel of Christ. It was prophesied to this congregation that this church would be a bright and burning light to this community. Here Brother Batson extended his ministry from Old Hickory and became pastor to two churches. Sunday afternoons rang with singing and praise as service was held in Ashland City.

Through the span of time Bethany Apostolic experienced growth with pastors such as Rev. Wade Hall, Rev. Dural Pate and Rev. Dickie Webb. A vision that is not shared is a vision that cannot be accomplished. After Brother Webb resigned the church and moved to Virginia, Brother Jack Batson again resumed pastorship at Bethany Apstolic. God had plans for this congregation, but we felt an apprehension when the building sold without it even being for sale. We moved into a temporary location until the outreach center could be built on land purchased by Calvary Tabernacle, never realizing that this was an anointed step to combine these two sister churches into New Life Apostolic Church.