Celebrating Eight Years of Stewardship

A professional couple smiling in an office, with a man seated at a desk and a person standing behind him with a hand on his.

This May, Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church celebrates eight years under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Wayne Dawson. Join us as we show our appreciation for Reverend Dawson and Grace’s first family.

Anniversary Activities

Anniversary Worship Service: Sunday, May 17, 2026  at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church

Anniversary Reception: Sunday, May 17, 2026, immediately after worship in the Jeremiah B. Pryce Fellowship Hall

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Earl C. Simpson

Guest Minister

rev. Dr. Earl C. Simpson

Rev. Dr. Earl C. Simpson was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Earl W. and Johnnie M. Simpson. Pastor Simpson was blessed to be the product of Godly parents and grandparents who instilled in him at an early age, the importance of having the Lord Jesus Christ in your life. At the age of 11 years old, he received the Lord Jesus as his personal savior at Elizabeth Baptist Church.


Our pastor received his formal education in Cleveland Public school system, and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1971. After graduating, Pastor Simpson continued to pursue education earning the following degrees: Bowling Green State University (B.Ed.), Cleveland State University (M.Ed.) Ashland Theological Seminary (M. Div.) and Ashland Theological Seminary (D.Min.).


Pastor Simpson received his license to preach in January 1975 at Holy Trinity Baptist Church by Rev. Henry J. Payton and has been preaching for over 50 years. He believes in lifelong learning as the way in which we fulfill the biblical mandate of 2 Timothy 2:15 which reads, “Study to shew thyself Approved unto God, a work and that needed not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” He has attended, as well as conducted, workshops, seminars, and trainee sessions, been a guest preacher for many local churches, as well as mentored, and encourage young preachers throughout the city and their ministries.


Over the years, Pastor Simpson has served as a adjunct professor at Moody Bible Institute and an adjunct professor an Ashland Theological Seminary. Most recently, he was an instructor at the Ohio Leadership Academy (Cleveland Baptist Association). Currently, Dr. Simpson serves as a part-time counselor at the Cuyahoga Community College Metro campus.


In January 2021, Pastor Simpson launched “Precious Moments with Him”, a scripture focused ministry that meets virtually every Friday 6:45 AM to 7:30 AM. This ministry is a dedicated time intentionally focused on seeking the presence of the Lord through sharing scripture, prayer, and praise. Prayer partners, participate locally, nationally, and internationally. Weekly recordings are

re-broadcast on arrow Internet radio, reaching over 182 countries.


Pastor Simpson is married to the former Deborah Renee Tate, and this union has been blessed with two beautiful adult children,Kristen Renee and Brandon Earl. We also enjoy one grandson child, Jordon Elijah, age 6.


In October 1983, the Lord began the work now known as the Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church with Earl Simpson as the founding pastor and current Senior Pastor. Pastor Simpson often says “the Lord is doing a great work here among the Cornerstone family, but the best is yet to come“. Now unto him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we can ask or think…(Eph. 3:20). Pastor Simpson loves the Word of God. “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone that believeth…” Rom.1:16).