Pastor Maceo L. Woods

Pastor Maceo Woods, a native Chicagoan, raised in the community of Morgan Park, Illinois, the ninth of ten children, was born to Fred and Rosa Woods (now deceased).

At the age of twelve years, he accepted Jesus Christ, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. A.C. Mitchell of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church.

Pastor Woods was educated in Chicago from elementary school through college. The decision to pursue a legal career was his first interest. As he proceeded with his law school curriculum, he also developed an interest in gospel music. Being so musically inclined, it soon became apparent that music had become a great part of his young life. He enrolled in the Chicago Conservatory of Music, in order to gain more fundamental knowledge and to develop his musical skills.

While still a teenager, he began to master the Hammond organ. It was around this period, that he formed the Maceo Woods Male Chorus, with member from various churches in the Morgan Park community. It was from this group that he selected the original Maceo Woods Singers, consisting of eight members.

With his early experiences serving as a good foundation, it became clearer that Maceo Woods was destined to become one man, who would touch the lives of a multitude of people, in varying ways, for the good.

By the year 1956, Maceo L. Woods was already universally acclaimed by many to be one of the world's greatest gospel organists and choirmasters; appearing in such noted auditoriums as New York's Madison Square Garden and Harlem's famed Apollo Theater. His soulful interpretation of "Amazing Grace" rendered on the Hammond organ has been immortalized and has won critical acclaim, and is still a favorite to music lovers everywhere.

CHRISTIAN TABERNACLE CHURCH
4712 SOUTH PRAIRIE

PASTOR MACEO L. WOODS AVE.
(47TH & PRAIRIE)
CHICAGO,ILLINOIS 60615
Phone: 773-548-2500
Fax: 773-548-4710

Write to Our Pastor:
Pastor Maceo Woods
Chicago, Il 60615

On December 14, 1959 during Pastor Woods' tenure at Hyde Park Bible Church as Minister of Music, he received his call to the ministry. His mother was washing the breakfast dishes one morning, when her son told her that God had called him to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Like any mother who loves the Lord, and loves her child, she encouraged him to follow God's instructions. That was forty-one years ago. Pastor Woods delivered his first sermon at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in January 1960, where the late Rev. A. Edward Davis, Sr. was the minister. His topic was "Ye Shall Know the Truth, And The Truth Shall Make You Free". His Installation Service was held March 1960 at True Light Baptist Church, where the late Rev. B. F. Paxton was the pastor and the late Rev. A. C. Mitchell officiated.

Pastor Woods spent a considerable amount of time pondering on a name for God's church. The church became known, both in practice and in deeds, as Christian Tabernacle Church Baptist also dubbed 'The Growing Church With the Family Spirit". The church's' motto is "GOD CAN DO ANYTHING BUT FAIL". Early on, the Lord led Pastor Woods to 4712 S. Prairie Ave., later renamed to Maceo L. Woods Avenue, where his vision was born. Christian Tabernacle has become a lighthouse to lost souls seeking a better life, to those carrying on their Christian experience and to those coming as new converts and candidates for baptism.

Approximately ten years into his ministry, Pastor Woods was blessed with a most precious gift, that of his son, Len Eric Woods. Len Eric is a fine young adult, currently attending medical school at the University of Illinois.

In September 1963, the church held its first Annual Gospel Concert at DuSable High School, featuring the Christian Tabernacle Ensemble. Presented with "Christian Dignity", it was an unforgettable night in song. James Cleveland & the James Cleveland Singers as well as the great Mahalia Jackson were their special guest. In 1964 the second Annual Gospel Concert was also held at DuSable High School; this time featuring the newly formed Christian Tabernacle Concert Choir. Pastor Woods and his choir was the first black Pastor and church choir to utilize McCormick Place for a gospel experience as well as the Civic Opera House and the Auditorium Theater. Each year on the last Sunday and Monday in September, Pastor Maceo L. Woods and the Christian Tabernacle Concert Choir presents "With Christian Dignity & Gospel Elegance," their Annual Gospel Concert. The year 2000 marked thirty-eight years of presenting extraordinary talent, and total commitment to this endeavor.

Pastor Maceo L. Woods is so active in the ministry and community; one wonders how he finds the time to attend every church meeting as well as every choir rehearsal. He can be found at the church Monday through Sunday working for the Lord. Pastor Woods hasn't taken a vacation in the last 7 years due to his committed efforts in kingdom building. His most pressing concern centers around his Gospel Supreme Foundation, which not only helps set up local businesses for young people, but assists in buying old abandoned buildings in urban areas so that they might be converted into halfway houses for the poor, with special emphasis on destitute mothers and their children. Pastor Woods' ministry also encompasses the Christian Tabernacle barbershop, furniture store, cosmetology academy & physical fitness center. His fully computerized ministry, encompasses the capacity for the Christian Tabernacle Choir to record their weekly TV cable program, "The Good News Hour" broadcast, aired on cable channel 25, both at 8 p.m. on Saturday evenings, and at 8 a.m. on Sunday mornings. One branch of the foundation finances the Gold Star Award, a yearly event whereby a trophy is awarded to gospel singers and choirs for faithful and dedicated service in the fields of gospel music. Albertina Walker, The Barrett Sisters, Dr. Robert Wooten Sr. and Brother Eugene Smith of the famed Roberta Martin Singers are just some of the many honorees.

"We are currently working on a CD featuring some of our soloists for our own Gospel Supreme label" states, Pastor Woods. Pastor Woods also stated that, "the musical arrangements will stay, as always, in the traditional realm". "Gospel is my life", asserts Pastor Woods, "everything I build, is built around his spoken word". Pastor Woods has come a long way from his humble beginnings, to a seat on the board of the Broadcast Ministers' Alliance.

"Members have come and gone and come back again", states Pastor Woods, "but the church continues to stand firm serving as a beacon light and source of strength to many". As new members continue to join the ministry, many who have grown up at Christian Tabernacle are now raising their own children under his teaching. This speaks volumes about Pastor Woods' leadership and his teachings. Most of all, however, it speaks to these truths: that he is a SERVANT of GOD, called by HIM, anointed by HIM, and is consistent in spreading THE GOOD NEWS.

Respectfully submitted by Dwayne R. Woods, Trustee