Church History

In July 1999, God called Reverend Ruth A. Harley-Boyd out of Shiloh Pentecostal Church in Somerville, NJ, where she served as an Associate Minister for many years.  After several months of seeking God's leading, He directed her to start a church.

In January 2000, Zion 'Tabernacle of Praise', Inc. was birthed.  From its inception, God confirmed His Word, granting Zion much favor.  With God at the helm, Zion moved quickly and completed all the necessary paperwork for church formation in a record two and a half months.  Just as quickly, God gave them the name of the church and a newly renovated location within Pastor Ruth's home in which to hold services.  Matthew 18:20 states that "For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."  Zion's first service took place on the 7th Day Sabbath with a few family members and Jesus in the midst.

The goal of Zion was never about acquiring members, but about winning souls to the Body of Christ.  They knew that as long as they followed God’s will and put Him first, He would bring others to help further the ministry in His time.

Over the years, Zion has hosted many unique outreach events.  God has always directed Zion to think "outside the box" to bring others to Christ.  That unique approach has yielded a harvest that remains and that continues to increase.  

In 2006, God stepped in and led Pastor Ruth to contact First Baptist Church of New Market in Piscataway, NJ.  He granted Zion much favor and blessed them with full access to a beautiful, historic church building.  

Today, God continues to expand Zion with new and innovative ministries which challenge its members to rightly divide the word of truth and apply it to their lives.

Zion strives to reflect Christ through an uncompromising attitude of excellence, holiness and love.  Fourteen years have passed but our vision remains the same; to Zealously proclaim the gospel of Jesus the Christ to the churched and the unchurched In such a loving, caring way that all persons, throughout the world, will become Obedient, Nurtured (trained) and equipped disciples for our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.