Jones Tabernacle A.M.E. Church grew out of Morris Brown Mission, first located in Eulong Hall at Ridge and Jefferson Streets and served by visiting clergy. This mission subsequently moved to Vineyard and Poplar Streets and became a part of the Philadelphia City Mission, which constituted St. James (A.M.E Union) and St. John Paschall. In 1877, Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne appointed Rev. Levi Jenkins Coppin as pastor. One year later at the request of members, Rev. Coppin was returned to Morris Brown and the church was set apart unto itself. Remaining members either returned to former missions or became affiliated with Morris Brown.

Some 19 administrations after Rev. Coppin, who later became the 30th Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, Rev. Richard R. Wright was assigned to Morris Brown. On Sunday, June 15, 1930, Morris Brown Church enjoyed a very spirit-filled service. That afternoon, Rev. Wright led the majority of members on a walking journey. At their arrival at 20th and Dauphin Streets, they were welcomed by a sexton who opened the doors to their new edifice and a second afternoon service was held! Because of the overwhelming support of the First Episcopal District's leader, Bishop Joshua H. Jones, Rev. Wright named the church, Jones Tabernacle, in his honor.

Among the original members were Rev. Theodore Gould, Mr. Telegrove, Perry D. Moore, Benjamin Moss, Stephen Nichols, Harriet Jane Henry Moore (sister of Bishop B.F. Lee, 20th A.M.E. Bishop), Sarah Butler, Laura Parker, Lizzie Wilmore Gisco and Joseph Thomas. World famous artist, Henry O. Tanner (son of Bishop Benjamin Tanner-18th A.M.E. Bishop), was one of the church's first trustees. In 1932, Rev. Wright was appointed president of Wilberforce University and later elected the 57th Bishop of the A.M.E. Church. On Friday, July 29, 1932, Rev. Dr. William Preston Stevenson succeeded him as pastor.

Jones Tabernacle became a beacon of light in the North Central Philadelphia community: the church was open five nights a week for service and youth activities, a nurses unit was established, major renovations – both interior and exterior - were completed, The Jones Tabernacle Cathedral Choir was established and radio broadcasting began on WIP Radio each third Sunday during evening hours. By 1949, membership had exceeded 1,300.

On May 12, 1945, Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols, Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District and Rev. Stevenson led the congregation on what has become known today as an "historic walk" to the present church edifice at 2021 West Diamond Street. Pictured below on this walk are (l-r) Rev. Stevenson, Bishop Nichols and Rev. Lewis.