The Rev. Chris Abhulime had plenty of reasons to smile on the afternoon of June 14.
“This means so much to me,” the King’s Tabernacle Church pastor told an audience that came to help celebrate a marvelous milestone as he received the Apple Blossom Garden Club 2019 Civic Beautification Award.
He heard several speakers use words like “beautiful” and “stunning” to describe the now award-winning King’s Tabernacle Church, located at 500 Greenville Ave. in Johnston.
Moreover, those words echoed Abhulime’s personal feelings for his parish and the once broken-down structure from the 1800s that has been transformed into a community church with a contemporary feel.
After Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha delivered a congratulatory message that was followed by appreciative applause, Barbara Flanagan walked to the podium with yet another sparkling smile on her face that seemed wider than the one Abhulime displayed.
“On behalf of the Apple Blossom Garden Club, it gives me a great sense of pride to present the 2019 Civic Beautification Award to Rev. Dr. Chris Abhulime, pastor of King’s Tabernacle Church, with special appreciation and recognition to the men’s group,” Flanagan said.
Abhulime, with his wife, Yemi, by his side, listened as Flanagan went on: “The men’s group has tirelessly worked to create and maintain the gardens on the grounds of this beautifully restored old church building that beautifies and enhances the community.”
After continuous applause subsided, Flanagan continued: “Thanks to Rev. Chris and the men’s club for their efforts to creating such a beautiful array of color and landscaping for all to enjoy and thank you for the beauty you have brought to the Johnston community.”
The Apple Blossom Garden Club, which has a membership of approximately 50 men and women, concentrates its efforts on annually honoring non-profits, businesses and properties based in either Johnston or Smithfield that have achieved what King’s Tabernacle Church completed.
Mike Knipper, executive vice president/head of properties for Citizens Bank, took Flanagan’s assessment a step further.
“What Pastor Chris and the Men’s Club have done here beautifies this entire corner of town,” Knipper said. “There’s the rebuilt Land Trust facility, new life at the [CITGO] convenience store-gas station … Johnston can certainly take tremendous pride in what has transpired here.”
Jim Vincent, president of the Providence NAACP, added: “This [church] is a beautiful thing. Together we can do great things, and this was certainly a great community effort.”
Johnston Deputy Police Chief Joseph Razza and DPW Director Arnie Vecchione added to those plaudits while offering their congratulations to Abhulime.
One person, who wasn’t on the afternoon speaking program but has plenty of knowledge about local landmarks is Lou McGowan, president of the Johnston Historical Society.
“King’s Tabernacle Church is a real asset to the town,” McGowan said. “The people here are very friendly and certainly worthy of this tremendous award … The grounds, this [church] building, the landscaping is something Pastor Chris and his parish have reason to be proud of. They’ve taken something which was ugly and transformed it into a beautiful building.”
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