The Gabbards Biography

 

The Gabbards have united together to preach the Gospel of Christ to the last day generation. The Gabbards are a fifth generation family of preachers and singers carrying on the great heritage of preaching the full gospel message of the new-testament church. Rev. Roy Gabbard began this ministry in 1963 under the direction of the Holy Ghost. Rev. Gabbard and his wife Catherine were led of the Lord to begin a ministry allowing their children to be equipped to minister the gospel. Today their family of 12 children is working to bring victory and deliverance to people everywhere. Eight of their 12 children are ministers who are preaching and singing to uplift the name of Jesus.

 

The Gabbards Great Grandfather Able Gabbard and Grandfather Willie Gabbard were respected preachers in the early 1900’s in the hills of Jackson County, KY.  Things that other men ran from, these men would say, “God can and will do that for me.” Great Grandpa practically built a church single handedly by accepting any gift to help buy material. Sometimes someone would give a chicken or a dozen eggs. Great Grandpa would sell them to buy materials for the church. When it was finished there was no mortgage or loan. He had built it by faith in God.

 

Fifty years later,  the Gabbards father, the late Rev. Roy Gabbard was also a great man of faith who found himself in a distant city saying, “God you remember how Grandpa built that church many years ago. I know with your help I can do it today.” We have been blessed with a wonderful heritage.   The Gabbards operate two churches in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio including the Uptown Church in Cincinnati, OH that was started in 1970 that God lead us to purchase and the church was completely paid for with $10 pledge envelopes. Three years ago we opened our new Gabbard Tabernacle in Grants Lick, KY that was miraculously paid for before the very first service.  In addition to operating the churches, The Gabbards are an evangelistic team which ministers in revivals, camp meetings, and concerts. 

 

The Gabbards have recorded several recordings with the Eddie Crook Co. of Nashville, Tennessee. Most of the recorded songs have been written by The Gabbards. These songs include “On Bended Knees,” written by Rev. Roy Gabbard, which reached Number 30 nationwide in the Singing News Charts. Other Top-50 releases include “He Has the Keys,” “His Coming is Nigh,” and “The Word.”

 

The Gabbards have been busy recording for Eddie Crook’s Cross and Crown label songs like “I Believe I’ll Run On,” and “I’m One of Them” which showcase the exciting delivery of the gospel that The Gabbards have become known for. “I’m One of Them” has become a staple of every concert for the family and always evokes an exciting response from the fans!


The family just completed another recording for Mr. Crook and the label titled “View The City”. Hundreds of songs were reviewed before entering the studio to begin work on their third album for Cross and Crown Music. The album contains a strong selection of material. “It’s by far their best effort ever,” stated label President Eddie Crook! 


The Gabbards are comprised of Gary Gabbard who has been both a Pastor and Preacher for over 30 years. Gary shares his miraculous testimony of deliverance from the hand of death in a drowning accident. His amazing experience of losing then regaining life includes a powerful heavenly visit from the Lord. Cathy Gabbard Saunders has excelled in singing and preaching under a heavy anointing. Many have commented on Cathy’s freedom to sing and worship the Lord. Her uncompromising love for the Lord is evidenced when she ministers with authority. Adrian Gabbard has been preaching and singing for several years. As a pastor and minister he has dealt with many issues of the Church. His singing is a powerful witness of the Holy Ghost. In revival, Adrian joins the Gabbard team preaching the message of faith in Jesus Christ. Gary, Cathy, and Adrian are three of Rev. and Mrs. Gabbard’s children. Rounding out The Gabbards is Rob Gabbard. Rob, son of Gary Gabbard, is the beginning of the fifth generation of Gabbards, and represents the future for the family ministry. Rob is a music minister at church and he plays piano and runs the sound for the group as well.


The Gabbards are available for revivals, camp meetings, concerts, or any event that offers the opportunity to win souls for Christ through song and spoken word. They believe that the Church is in the Final Conflict with the enemy and the Rapture of the Church will be in our generation. Therefore, they feel a great urgency to help people be free to worship God in spirit and in truth.

History of The Gabbard Evangelistic Association

 

1963

 

The Gabbard Evangelistic Association which is now headquartered in Butler, KY was founded in 1963 by Reverend Roy and Catherine Gabbard under the direction of the Holy Ghost.    The first church services of this independent Pentecostal ministry were held in an old school house (pictured below) located on 4 & 12 Mile Road in Alexandria, KY.        

 

1965

The Gabbard Tabernacle was founded in 1965 by Reverend Roy Gabbard.  The original building was located on Rifle Range Road in Alexandria, KY.  The congregation named the building in his honor since he physically built the building, almost completely on his own, with just the help of one or two men, and his oldest sons.  Over the years as the congregation grew in number the building was expanded.  The center section is the original part of the building with additions on either side.

 

1970

In  November 1970 Reverend Gabbard was led by God to start a church in the Over-the-Rhine area of Cincinnati, OH.  The Uptown Church is located on the corner of McMicken and Vine Streets in Cincinnati. 

 

2003

March 2003 the new Gabbard Tabernacle was opened in Grants Lick, KY.  The Gabbard Tabernacle is located on U.S. Hwy 27 South in Grants Lick, KY. This beautifil new church was Miraculously paid in full before our very first service.  God continues to bless our minustry. 

 

2006

Today the ministry consists of the Gabbard Tabernacle, The Uptown Church located in Cincinnati, OH, The Gabbards Southern Gospel Music Group and daily radio broadcasts on various radio stations.  Reverend and Mrs. Gabbard’s children are the fourth generation of Pentecostal preachers carrying on the great heritage of preaching the full gospel message of the new testament church.

 

 

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