Tab Rec Celebrates 90 Years

Tabernacle Presbyterian Church’s recreation program has been going strong for nine decades.  More than 100,000 participants have played at Tab, many of whom have become successful leaders and sports figures. 

On Saturday, Sept. 13 the church will host a festival, sports jamboree and history exhibit chronicling the storied sports ministry.

"I envision just hundreds of people with their noses pressed to these picture boards, reconnecting, meeting old friends, looking at pictures, talking about the good old days," says John Byers, Tab Recreation director from 1985-2006.

Byers has been compiling photos and memorabilia for the exhibit for months, sparking memories of his time leading the program that fosters enthusiastic kids. 

One of them was George Hill, who now plays for the Indiana Pacers.

"He’d follow me around the football field as I painted lines, he'd want to do everything," says Byers, "If there we needed a time keeper, he was our man, if there was a team missing a player he was always key to fill in."

Other notable Tab alums include former Gov. Mitch Daniels, who is attending Saturday’s event, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard and former NFL Pro Bowler Mark Clayton. 

Byers says character is the key to the program’s success.

"We’ve had so many wonderful, dedicated people that have been at it for years," says Byers, "They've not only taught sports skills, but they've also taught life skills, values and faith and all those things set us apart."

The recreation program offers participation in eight sports for to all local kids ages 5-14. 

Activities get underway at 11 a.m. at the church campus on the corner of 34th Street and Central Avenue.