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Donald M. Crooms, Sr. is the older of two children born to James and Gloria
Crooms in Beaufort, North Carolina. Donald was reared in a small community known as North river. After graduating from East Carteret High School, Donald left home to further his education.
In December 1979, he answered his ministerial call and was ordained to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in October 1980, under the tutelage of Pastor Vernon Prichard. Along with his wife, they put their hands to the vision of Pastoralship. A Non-Denominational Church with humble beginnings, Faith Tabernacle of Praise, opened its door to 10-chartered members in December 1981. It is now a well-attended Church in his hometown and has reached a multitude in East and West Africa through Radio Ministry. Donald has become a well-known Evangelist spreading the Gospel not only in North Carolina, but also along the East Coast. He may be heard via the internet radio in India, Philippines and other countries. Back to Top
Donald attended Undenominational Bible Institute, New Bern NC, Shaw University School of Divinity, Raleigh, NC, and later received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, from St. Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC. In his quest to 'press toward the mark for the prize' he will be attending North Carolina Central University to obtain a Masters in Early Childhood Education. He was inducted into the Alpha Kappa Delta and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Societies while attending St. Augustine's College.
Donald was and continues to be very active in Community and Civic organizations such as: Civitan, Sheriff's Association, African American Historical Association. He is one of many past Presidents of the Carteret County Chapter of the NAACP. He has served on the board of the following organizations: NAACP Carteret Chapter, Carteret Community Action, Carteret Arts Council, Loving Links. Women's Aglow and the Smart Start Task Force.
Donald is an eloquent speaker who has broken color barriers and traditions. He has been the guest speaker at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Craven Community College and other places of distinction. He was instrumental in breaking a 125 year tradition by becoming the first non-Catholic minister to speak at Our Lady Queen of Angels church in Newark, New Jersey. He conducted a revival at the Historical Centenary United Methodist Church, New Bern, NC. Breaking a barrier at a church that was established in the late 1700's as they had never had a African American to speak. He has been honored as Minister of the Year on several occasions and listed in Who's Who Among Young American men. He has received the "Key to the City" from the Mayors of Morehead City and Beaufort, North Carolina, for his dedicated Community Service.Back to Top
Donald was consecrated a Bishop October 29, 2000, by Bishop Jesse L. Williams. He is the founder and overseer of Donald Crooms Ministries, Tabernacle of Praise International Ministries, Tabernacle Bible Institute as well as Faith Tabernacle of Praise in Beaufort, NC and Shalom Tabernacle of Praise in Raleigh, NC. He has sent out two Pastors from the Mother church, FTOP to begin a work in strategic locations along the East Coast. They are Favor of God Tabernacle of Praise, Greenville, NC, and Yadah Tabernacle of Praise, Havelock, NC.Back to Top
Donald has a heart for God, a love for God's people, a "mind to work" and a comforting hand to build the Kingdom of God. His first book is in the making and will be entitled, I Have A Story to Tell, a handbook to Pastors serving small congregations.