King’s Tabernacle Church Set to Open Their Doors

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

JOHNSTON, R.I. — An African American church that was once the center of a federal lawsuit over allegations of racism is set to open their doors.

The King’s Tabernacle Church’s grand opening comes after a $250,000 worth of renovations and a healthy dose of controversy.

Chris Abhulime, the reverend of Kings Tabernacle Church who is an African American, bought a historic building on Greenville Avenue last year.

In January, the town’s zoning board denied the reverend from using the building as a church.

Abhulime then sued the town claiming that those zoning rights were denied because of the color of his skin. Turns out he had a phone recording of Johnston’s Building Inspector allegedly using racial slurs while talking to him.

In February, a settlement was reached that allowed Abhulime to use the building as a place of worship.

The town inspector was suspended for his actions.

Following that decision, Abhulime was hopeful for the church’s future.

“Regardless of what we encounter, regardless of the disagreement that may have happened we are able to come together and find a resolution.”

The church will hold a formal ribbon cutting Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. and its first worship service will take place on Saturday.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016