Alfred Walker accepted God’s call to preach the Gospel in 1972. At that time, he was a member of the Indiana Baptist Church , and his pastor was Rev. Ray Hudson. In 1974, Rev. Alfred Walker and his devoted wife Thirry Walker, held two meeting at their home to discuss the beginning of a mission. The name Psalms Mission was suggested by Sis Geraldine Brinkley and was accepted. On February 10, 1974, the first location of Psalms Mission was at 324 E. 17th Street, Indianapolis. On June 20, 1976, Psalms Mission moved to 2702 Clifton Street, Indianapolis. During this time, Rev. Lash of Carter Memorial MB Church came to assist Rev. Walker to move from Mission status to full Church status. In 1975, Rev. Ray Hudson, then the pastor of Christway MB Church, facilitated the organization ceremony and the Psalms Mission became the Psalms Missionary Baptist Church and on September 19, 1976, the Psalms congregation moved to our current location at 3340 E. 32nd Street, Indianapolis. Pastor Walker labored faithfully for twelve years and retired from pastoral duties, but not from preaching. Upon the recommendation of Pastor Walker, the members of Psalms accepted Rev. Douglas D Tate Sr as their new pastor.
Rev. Douglas D Tate Sr. accepted his call to the ministry on December 27,1981. He was a member of the St. Paul MB Church. Rev. Tate Sr. was ordained March 8,1986 and became the second Pastor of the Psalms church. In 1986, Pastor Tate Sr, with the help of Bro. Andre Willis and the Bros. of Psalms, enclosed the back porch to make new restrooms and a Pastors Study. In 1988, the brothers of Psalms and contractor R.L. Duncan added a new sanctuary to the east side of the building. In 1991, Psalms bought a parsonage with five lots at 3360 Jennings Street. In 1993, the Holy Spirit touched Brother and Sister Harvison, of the Original Church of God, to give two lots to Psalms. In 1996, a new sanctuary was added to the west side of the building and Dedication Services were held on July 28, 1996. The old sanctuary was later dedicated as the Walker Fellowship Hall. In December 2000, after fifteen years of devoted service, Pastor Tate Sr. announced his retirement from pastoral duties, but not from preaching. Pastor Tate Sr. recommended his son, Rev Douglas D Tate Jr., as the Pastor of Psalms. The members voted and accepted his recommendation.
Rev. Douglas D Tate Jr. accepted God's call to the ministry on July 19,1986. Rev. Tate Jr. was ordained in 1997. Rev Tate Jr, along with is devoted wife, Bernice Tate was installed in April 2001 and became the third Pastor of Psalms Missionary Baptist Church. In 2001, Pastor Tate Jr. moved the Pastor's Study from its original location and created a library that was dedicated to Rev. Douglas D Tate Sr. Emeritus. In 2003/2004, Psalms purchased additional lots, including the house and adjacent lots behind the church. Pastor Tate Jr. and the men of Psalms renovated the restrooms and the church office. In Sept 2005, Psalms purchased a new church sign, which lights up the corner of Stuart and E. 32nd Street, proclaiming God's Word to the community. Pastor Tate Jr. and Brother James Bartlett erected a church steeple over the sanctuary. In 2006, the church purchased a van to transport the members. In 2008, the sanctuary was fully renovated with new pulpit, new Lord's Supper table, carpeting and upholstered pews. In addition, Psalms purchased eleven more lots from Brother and Sister Harvison. By God's grace and blessings, and the love, care, support and giving of the Psalms family and friends, the Psalms Missionary Baptist church continues to grow throughout the years with a new audio booth, sound system, and paved parking lots. Recently in 2020, the Psalms Church underwent total renovation with a new roof, wiring, plumbing, new flooring and paint, brand new restrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and a new library. The Lord has truly blessed the vision of the late Rev. Alfred Walker. The vision that started in a little house 49 years ago, now sits on over 22 lots for future building and expansion.
The Lord continues to bless Psalms through the leadership of Rev. Douglas D. Tate Jr. His desire is to feed and equip the saints of God with sound doctrine, preparing them for Christian service. Pastor Tate Jr. has expanded the ministry of in house worship and fellowship to include live-streaming services through social media. His objective is to advance the Kingdom of God spiritually, socially, and economically, by focusing and promoting the Great Commission given by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
