Historic church celebrates 100 years with community conference

The following was originally published October 3, 2015.

Perhaps one of the first integrated houses of worship in the city, Apostolic Tabernacle, formerly Pentecost Church, celebrates 100 years of old-fashioned preaching and teaching with a series of services next week.

Hailing from the historically black Christ Temple Apostolic Church in Indianapolis, a group of women dubbed “the Missionary Sisters” helped found the Shelbyville congregation. A 1907 city directory lists the church as having “no regular pastor.” African-American

John Bennett, from Christ Temple, joined Willard Lewis in serving as early leaders, with Leo Sipes assuming the pastorate in 1915. A church in a residential neighborhood, 905 S. Pike St., formed shortly thereafter.

In 1945, Rev. Robert C. Cavaness arrived and the demonstrative moniker continued. Following 43 years of ministry, his son, Bishop Robert W. Cavaness, accepted the pastorate in 1988. This year, Rev. Daniel McDonald arrived and he intends to maintain the preaching tradition.

“70 years of Cavaness,” McDonald exclaimed, noting the enormous task of following the two gifted speakers.

According to current members, McDonald is up for the task.

“For a man his age, it’s overwhelming, it’s almost unbelievable,” Ruby Holzhausen said of the new pastor’s Bible teaching style. “He has got a mind to work for the Lord.”

Work also defined the early ministry of twenty-five year old R.C. Cavaness.

Bishop R.W. Cavaness relayed a story passed down about his father knocking on someone’s door to introduce himself.

“They thought it was the paperboy,” Cavaness said.

Behind a wooden pulpit, to be displayed at next week’s conference, R.C. Cavaness reminded members of the early days, when the black Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) guided the church. He frequently accepted invitations to speak at PAW churches.

The new pastor quickly developed a positive reputation in the community. When another preacher sustained an injury roofing the Pike Street facility, the Cavaness’ supported him for a year while he recovered. R.C. and wife Muriel Cavaness lived behind the church for several years, with Sunday School classes underneath.

With a rough childhood background, Rev. Cavaness understood how to connect to people.

“He knew what it was like,” Ruby Holzhausen said. She arrived in the late 1940s, one of 27 baptized in a weeks-long revival.

Over the years, various community members found a home at the church.

May Theobald led songs. The piano player, Mary Lewis, was known for rudimentary chord playing. Glenn E. George filled in when Cavaness traveled to speak at conferences.

Cavaness also started a five day long Open Bible Conference in the early 1960s. The church fed guests after each service, a tradition continued next week at the 100th celebration. At one point, Cavaness told his wife he was considering expanding the meeting to 10 days.

“Mom said, ‘You’ll do it without me,’” R.W. Cavaness said, laughing.

A member in the early 1940s, Dale Holzhausen returned to the church from Greensburg for a practical reason.

“I heard they had an influx of young ladies,” Mr. Holzhausen said.

Following a Friday night service in 1951, Cavaness performed marriage vows for Dale and Ruby Holzhausen.

“I said, ‘I want to be sure someone comes to my wedding,’” Ruby Holzhausen said of their decision to marry following a service.

As members aged and passed away, duties transitioned. Theobald handed off song-leading duties to Melvin Griffith. Musical talent developed and the team expanded.

In 1988, Rev. Cavaness passed away at 67 years old.

Taking a Wednesday night off from his pastorate in Alabama, Bishop R.W. Cavaness spoke in his father’s stead before the family went to Chicken and Steak Inn. Once back in the car, R.C. Cavaness started breathing heavily, but instructed his son to take him home.

“About half way out there, he lifted his hands and slumped over toward me and said, ‘Father into thy hands I commend all things,’ R.W. Cavaness said. “That was it, I knew he was gone.”

Following the funeral, Jim McKenney, editor of The Shelbyville News remarked that it would have been easier to note states not represented than to list those that were present. He also said “one veteran sheriff ’s deputy called it the largest funeral service in Shelbyville for many years.”

After 27 years of R.W. Cavaness’ leadership, as of May 2015, the reins now belong to Rev. McDonald. He, wife Julie, and their children live in Clearview and attempt to jumpstart community outreach.

This begins with an open invitation for the community to attend one of the services next week.

Guest preachers will speak at 7 p.m. services Tuesday through Thursday, October 6 - 8. Afternoon services on Wednesday and Thursday begin at noon.

Meanwhile, Bishop R.W. Cavaness continues to work.

He recently invited someone to church. The person responded, “I used to know the pastor out there. He would come out and buy carpet at Flat Rock Glass.”

Cavaness said, ‘Well, you’re looking at him.’”

Although faces and times change, Apostolic Tabernacle endeavors to continue the same doctrinal old-fashioned preaching, with an open door to all.