The Rev. Dr. Judy Talbert, founder and former pastor of Faith Tabernacle of Prayer in Southeast D.C., was a pioneering preacher whose legacy continues to inspire six years after her death. During the church’s Founder’s Day recognition, faith leaders emphasized continuing Talbert’s mission of serving God’s people.
“She instructed us with wisdom, always believing that if you reach one, you teach one,” said Evangelist Josina Talbert, the late Talbert’s daughter, who followed her in ministry.
Talbert died August 19, 2018. During her 40 years in ministry, she was a community leader working toward multiple causes.
The faith leader turned pain into passion and progress, such as working for transplant recipients after her son Joseph Talbert Jr. died while waiting for a heart transplant in 1995.
She also helped returning citizens as they reentered society.
Mayor Anthony Williams, former MPD chief Charles Ramsey, and former federal judge Alexander Williams were frequent visitors to the Faith Tabernacle of Prayer on “Reentry Sunday,” an annual event that welcomes returning citizens to the community.
Talbert also was a frequent visitor to the White House as a member of President Obama’s African American Clergy Network.
Bishop Daryl Young, from Tabernacle of Prayer Revival Center in Dobbs Ferry, New York, delivered a powerful message that inspired the congregation to remember Talbert, while pressing onward toward greater achievements.
He reflected on the 2020 death of his mother, Dr. Eloise L. Young, founder and overseer of the Tabernacle of Prayer Revival Center. Bishop Young said he came to an abrupt conclusion when his mother died: “My season has changed.”
Young realized he had to choose to reach a higher level in ministry.
“I couldn’t just be satisfied with her accomplishments, but strive for greater,” he explained.
Drawing from ob 42:12, Young emphasized the theme that one’s latter days should surpass their beginnings, building upon a firm foundation.
“So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning,” Young said.
Elder Wanda Jackson of Faith Tabernacle reflected on Young’s message as it relates to their church in Southeast.
“He highlighted the ministry’s enduring commitment to serving the Ward 8 community… The bishop’s challenge today is to go beyond the past and outside the four walls of the church,” said Jackson, inspired to continue Faith Tabernacle’s founder’s legacy.
With attendees from across the DMV area and beyond coming together, and many more joining via social media, the Founder’s Day event worked to reinforce the unity and collective vision of the church community.
“While her light has dimmed, she has passed the torch that burns through Faith Tabernacle ministry,” Evangelist Talbert declared of her mother. “What she started extends beyond the walls of the church. We are feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the incarcerated and fulfilling the Great Commission to Go into all the world to preach the gospel.”
