Pastor Gilbert Thomas Garcia, Rev. Gilbert Thomas Garcia is a native of Brooklyn, New York and was raised in Spotsylvania, Virginia.  He is a graduate of Spotsylvania Sr. High School, Concord College, Fredericksburg Bible Institute and Seminary.  He credits the teaching of the Holy Spirit as the best education that he has received.

He became a “born again” believer in Jesus Christ in 1973 and was baptized by Rev. Johnny Atkinson, Pastor of Pipestem Baptist Church.    On July 14, 1996  Rev. Garcia answered the call and was licensed to preach the gospel by Rev. Louis T. Jackson, Pastor of First New Hope Baptist Church.  He was ordained on February 27, 1999 and served as an associate minister and became assistant pastor at First New Hope.  He later served as an associate minister of Rose of Sharon Baptist Church in Chattanooga, TN for two years.  Rev. Garcia returned  home and became the pastor of First New Hope Baptist Church for twelve years.   Since his ordination, Rev. Garcia has preached in 78 churches throughout seven states and the District of Columbia.  On February of 2017, Rev. Gilbert T. Garcia accepted the calling to become the Interim Pastor of Mount Tabor Baptist Church.  He was installed as Pastor of Mt. Tabor on June 16, 2018. 

He is active in the community, having served three terms as the president of the Spotsylvania Sunday School Union; he is the chairman of the board of directors for the John J. Wright Education and Cultural Center Museum; has also participated in several men’s ministry groups and “Each One Reach One Outreach Ministry”.  He is also an active member of the 23^rd regiment United States Colored Troop civil war living historian and re-enactor. 

He is married to Regina Lynn (Glaze) Garcia, as well as, a father of five and grandfather of six. Pastor Garcia listens to the voice of the Lord and follows His will for his life. As a pastor, he loves the people, lives a Christ centered life and is available to all. He’s a “hands-on” pastor, accountable to God for the spiritual care of the church. His favorite scriptural verses are Romans 12:1-2.  To God be the glory!