West Ward Church Helps Revitalize Newark Community

Ephan Sinclair is a 52-year-old ex-convict who said the Newark Gospel Tabernacle has given him a life outside of prison.

Sinclair, who is HIV positive, spoke to the congregation during its 2½-hour service on a recent Sunday, "I'm in bad shape. I was once stripped down to nothing but the clothes on my back. But God helped me. I know I'm going to make it."

The church that has become a comfort to Sinclair is located in the former historic Stanley Theater and dominates an entire block at the corner of Stuyvesant and South Orange avenues in the city's West Ward. It's run by Rev. Aubrey Gregory. Gregory said it is costing $10 million to renovate the old theater.

He said the renovation is needed to keep the church "alive" and to help the community and its members, including Sinclair.

"This man came to me just a week ago and he keeps coming back," Gregory said about Sinclair. "He doesn't ask for anything … he's hungry for rebuilding his life."

The church building reflects a Spanish-architectural style, with red clay roof tiles and arched windows. Inside, the entryway and main room is littered with ladders and plastic sheets, evidence of the renovation work that is continuing. The tabernacle moved into the building in 1992 from a modest location on North 9th Street in the city.

Newark Councilman Ronald C. Rice said he sees the church as a pinnacle to revitalize this neighborhood, but said it's a slow-going task, "They have a long history of what the building is for the community — help drive crime away and bring vitality back."

Rice, who represents the West Ward, said the city has poured roughly $100,000 into the renovations, "(Gregory's) vision is to bring back that pizazz of the community. And (the tabernacle) is indispensable to bring that community back."

Rice called the tabernacle an "anchor of South Orange Avenue" and said he wants to help raise more money for its renovation — even if it takes millions of dollars.

Gregory said the church is doing its part to raise additional money and has come up with $128,000 so far, including the money from the city. With people such as Sinclair coming to the church, Gregory said he's not giving up, "We make a difference in their lives."

Sinclair spoke slowly — and at times near tears — as he told his story to the congregation. He stands about six feet tall, has a scruffy beard and a slightly hunched back. He said he spent 16 years in jail after shooting a Plainfield police officer, was released in 2000 and moved to Newark in June.

He credits the church for helping him get back on his feet — with a job at a dry cleaners and medical help for his chronic illness. Sinclair said, renovated or not, he plans to keep coming back to the tabernacle, "Doors are opening for me. It takes time. Things just won't be done over night, no matter what you do or who you talk to, you know?"

Gregory, who said he's been with the church for 24 years, the last 10 as pastor, emphasized that Sinclair's story is one he hears too often in Newark, but said it's a prime example of his church's extension into the community.

"First, we acknowledge his humanity," he said. "That's the beginning point for us and the community because we are a community of human beings."