In 1974, Ernest Cameron Began a life of drugs,money, and fast cars. Ten years later he began living a life of prayer and praise through the Harlem Tabernacle Church. The Harlem Tabernacle Church, a non-denominational church was founded by Ernest Cameron and his wife Barbara. It is now located at 125th Street and 5th Avenue in Harlem, New York. The dramatic turnaround in his life began back in Nebraska where he attended college.

Ernest Cameron attended Nebraska Southern college. He did not finish school because he dropped out to live a life of drugs. He said part of the reason he became involved with drugs was because he was impressed with the lifestyle of drugs which were power, money, and fast cars. Ernest Cameron was in the drug business for over 4 years before he was arrested in January of 1978 for selling heroin to an undercover police officer. He went back and forth to court for over a year until he was sentenced to 13 months in prison. Cameron says that there were a lot of uncertainty while he was in prison. He was afraid because he was not sure his parents were going to be there when he came out of jail. Cameron says that made his days in jail seem very long. He says that God spoke to him while he was in prison and showed him a vision of starting a church.

Ernest Cameron always had that vision but it was not until he was married in 1981 when the vision became more clear. In 1984, Harlem Tabernacle was incorporated and started off with only 5 members. Ernest Cameron, now Pastor Cameron, says today he has over 800 members and still continues to grow.

Pastor Cameron says that his vision is to see the lives of people change and, hopefully, they come to know who Jesus is and come to having a relationship with him. Pastor Cameron says that he believes God is going to restore their community's greatness. He says that if you can change a life, you can change the community. This is why Harlem Tabernacle is there; so that they can change the community of Harlem. Pastor Cameron says that they are not there to bless themselves instead they are there for the community of Harlem. Pastor Cameron and some of the members from Harlem Tabernacle also gives out about 1,000 turkeys every year for Thanksgiving. The goal is to reach out to Harlem, to see another Harlem Renaissance take place. Pastor Cameron believes the decrease in the crime rate is because of the prayers. He feels that the Harlem Tabernacle's job is to glorify God and to see Harlem get on their feet.

Pastor Cameron was 25 when he accepted Christ, he is now 45 years of age. Still fulfilling God's purposes, Pastor Cameron says that he wishes he had known the things about God now because he would have had a relationship with God earlier. Every year on Easter Sunday, Harlem Tabernacle produces a production dealing with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Pastor Cameron's closing quote was "Its been a joy being used by God".