“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6-7
The People’s Community Baptist Church
HISTORY
Thomas J. Baltimore
Founding Pastor
Thomas J. Baltimore Founding Pastor (1978-2003)
In Loving Memory
Haywood A. Robinson III
Pastor
Haywood A. Robinson III Pastor
(2005-Present)
In the fall of 1977, T.J. Baltimore could no longer resist the seed God had planted within him—the dream of starting a new church. One Sunday afternoon in October of that year, T.J. felt compelled to share this vision with two of his closest friends: the Revs. Jefferson W. Wright and R. Earl Bartley. As they gathered around the table in Rev. Wright’s home, T.J. shared his vision for “an alternative church”—a community-centered congregation that would meet people where they are, embrace the concept of shared ministry, and grow with sound biblical principles at its core.
When asked what the church should be called, Rev. Wright suggested “The People’s Community Church.”“No,” T.J. replied.“The church is going to be a Baptist church.” With that, Rev. Bartley wrote a check for $15.00, payable to “The People’s Community Baptist Church.” With that simple act, the vision was brought to life. In June 1978, Rev. T.J. Baltimore left Turner Memorial Baptist Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and returned to Montgomery County, Maryland, to begin the work of faith that would become The People’s Community Baptist Church.
1970s-The Vision Begins
1977 – The Vision Is Planted
Rev. T.J. Baltimore shared his vision of a community-based Baptist church, rooted in shared ministry and strong biblical teaching.
With a $15 check from Rev. R. Earl Bartley, The People’s Community Baptist Church was officially named and envisioned.
1978 – The Church Is Born
On July 8, ’35, community members formally organized the church; the name and vision were adopted. On August 5, the first worship service was held at John F. Kennedy High School with over 100 attendees, launching the Charter Membership period.
1979 – Laying the Ministry Groundwork
The first Church Anniversary, picnic, Gospel Explosion, and People’s Pride newsletter debuted. Ninety-five people officially became charter members; and ministry leaders in addition to church staff were appointed to vital roles.
1980s-Establishing a Foundation
1980 – Growth Through Education and Celebration
“Family & Friends Day” and “Educators Day” were launched as monthly and annual celebrations. The first five deacons were ordained, and the first Christmas Program was held.
1981 – A Home for the Vision
The church made a $23,000 down payment on 4 acres at 31 Norwood Road; offerings had grown to$1,500 per week. Outgrowing its school space, the church prepared for its own permanent home.
1982 – Expanding Ministry Capacity
The “Green Machine” bus was purchased to support youth ministry and outreach. A 72-ft trailer was placed on the new property to begin daily administrative functions.
1983–1984 – Service to the Community Deepens
A partnership with the Manna Food Center launched, feeding the homeless and collecting clothing. Charitable outreach became a permanent ministry emphasis, establishing a culture of giving.
1985 – Enlarging the Vision
An additional 11 acres of land was purchased at the Norwood Road site, securing room for future expansion. Strategic planning for future buildings and ministries began to take shape.
1986 – Honoring Service and Tradition
Usher’s Day was celebrated, honoring founding and junior ushers, including Letitia Winfield and Rusty Baltimore. The 8th Church Anniversary affirmed the growth and maturity of the congregation.
1987 – A Milestone Moment
On May 15, groundbreaking for the Family Life Center (Phase I) made TPCBC the first independent Black church in the county in 83 years. The event marked a shift from vision to tangible legacy.
1988 – Construction and Christian Education Begin
Construction began on the Family Life Center; a $100,000 Capital Fund goal was set. The Bible Institute was launched under the Christian Education Ministry, furthering TPCBC’s teaching mission.
1989 – A Permanent Home Begins
Cornerstone was laid and first worship service held in the new Family Life Center at 31 Norwood Road. Social Action Agency established to tackle drugs, homelessness, AIDS, and teen pregnancy.
1990s- Growth and Expansion
1990 – Ministry Expansion
First Vacation Bible School held; with over 100 in attendance nightly. 8:00 AM service launched, along with the Transportation Ministry and growing choir ministries.
1991 – Building the Family
Family Life Ministry launched, dividing members into family tribes modeled after the 12 tribes of Israel. Construction of Phase II began with the dismantling of the Norwood Center’s south wall.
1992 – A Sanctuary of Worship
Worship moved into the newly completed sanctuary on July 5 with 1,600 in attendance. First Girl Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack formed, expanding youth engagement.
1993 – Becoming a Mega Church
TPCBC declared a mega-church with over 1,500 members and $3M in assets. “2121 Vision” blueprint released; Men’s Choir and Deacons-Deaconess training expanded.
1994 – Outreach & Innovation
Chamber of Commerce and “People’s Fest” launched; Fall Revival and third weekly service added. Children’s Church and Christian Education programs grew significantly, with VBS reaching 1,250.
1995 – Capital Campaign Milestone
$1 million Capital Campaign goal achieved for Phase III building expansion. Eleven deacons ordained; membership surpassed 2,400.
1996 – Strengthening Ministry & Facility
Norwood Academy launched; Saturday evening worship and Tuesday Bible Study expanded offsite. Construction planning began; Children’s Moment and youth programs further developed.
1997 – Worship & Diversity in Action
Construction on Phase III began; first International/Multicultural Celebration held. Deacon and Deaconess ordination, Bible Study, and Theater Ministry broadened community engagement.
1998 – Celebrating 20 Years
Church membership grew to 3,453 with assets nearing $10 million. 20th Anniversary celebrated alongside the dedication of the Christian Education Building and first female minister ordained, Rev. LaVerne Wilson.
1999 – Laying the Foundation for the Future
People’s Foundation established; Education Facility dedicated during the 21st Anniversary Homecoming. Official church website launched; international ministry expanded with visits from the UK and African Children’s Choirs.
2000s - Reaching New Heights
2000 – Community Care and New Ventures
Launched Adopt-a-Flood Victim campaign; church parsonage purchased for pastoral housing. Opened TPCBC Bookstore; VBS centered on “Celebrate Jesus Loves Me.”
2001 – Next Generation Ministry and Expansion
Youth Church launched; Rev. Joan McCarley ordained as the first woman clergy since Rev. Dr. Baltimore’s passing. Property at 41 Norwood Road purchased; Phase IV feasibility study initiated.
2002 – Wellness and Global Connection
Wellness Center opened to serve physical and emotional health needs of members and community. Pastor Baltimore inducted into Montgomery County Human Rights Hall of Fame; missions partnership formed with Bethany Baptist Church in South Africa.
2003 – A Year of Honor and Transition
TPCBC celebrated its 25th Anniversary; Founder Rev. Dr. T.J. Baltimore was called home to glory. Pulpit Search Committee formed; People’s Foundation pursued Phase IV expansion.
2004 – Legacy in Motion
Men’s and Girls’ Rites of Passage Evangelism Tours conducted in South Africa. Wellness Center received National Acts of Caring Award; 26th Anniversary honored Rev. Baltimore’s legacy.
2005 – A New Chapter Begins
Dr. Haywood A. Robinson III installed as Senior Pastor in April. Highridge Estates property purchased; Crisis Center launched in response to Hurricane Katrina.
2006 – From Glory to Glory
28th Anniversary theme “From Glory to Glory”; Spring Revival inspired “Restore Thy Glory.” Women’s Conference and Global Missions efforts energized discipleship and outreach.
2007 – Faith in Action
“Men Who Cook for Christ” fellowship launched; “Favorite Fathers” Awards Breakfast hosted. VBS featured “Son Treasure Island”; church entered a 21-Day Spiritual Fast for renewal and unity.
2008 – Celebrating 30 Years of Kingdom Service
30th Anniversary and Founder’s Day honored three decades of ministry; Pastor Robinson led church-wide study, “Becoming a Kingdom Focused Church.” Mission trips expanded to New Orleans, Kenya, and Ghana; Timothy McLaurin Jr. ordained.
2009 – Advancing the Vision
Launched “Kingdom-Focused Church” sermon series and discipleship emphasis. Strengthened leadership development and ministry alignment under Pastor Robinson’s vision.
2010s-Modern Ministry and Mission
2010 – Growing in Grace and Outreach
Expanded missions ministry and community impact programs. Celebrated Women’s and Men’s Ministries milestones with record participation.
2011 – Rooted in the Word, Reaching the World
Introduced deeper Bible study curriculum and small group discipleship. Continued international mission efforts, particularly in Africa and the Caribbean.
2012 – Faithful in Service, Fruitful in Ministry
Launched new youth initiatives, including enhanced youth worship and leadership training. Focused on health and wellness through community fairs and church health ministries.
2013 – Committed to Community and Covenant
Community outreach expanded through food drives, educational programs, and public service events. Revived interest in spiritual gifts and lay ministry through teaching series and workshops.
2014 – Celebrating Legacy, Cultivating Leadership
Honored past servant leaders; initiated mentoring and leadership development pipeline. Invested in young adult ministry with targeted programming and service opportunities.
2015 – 40 Years of Faithfulness
37th Church Anniversary celebrated with legacy tributes and church-wide engagement. Strengthened church operations and administrative systems for future growth.
2016 – Worship, Witness & Wellness
Expanded worship arts ministry with new ensembles and creative arts expressions. Focused on mental health awareness and wellness through seminars and care groups.
2017 – Unity Through Faith and Fellowship
Hosted intergenerational fellowship events and spiritual retreats. Launched strategic prayer initiatives and intercessory prayer ministry development.
2018 – 40th Anniversary – Honoring the Journey
Celebrated 40 Years of Ministry with the theme: “Reflecting God’s Glory – A People Called to Greatness.” Special events held to honor founding members, church history, and ministry milestones.
The People’s Community Baptist Church:
A Journey of Resilience and Renewal
Celebrating Our Fifth Decade of Faith, Service, and Growth (2018-25)
Honoring Four Decades and Embarking on a New Chapter
The year 2018 marked a significant milestone for The People’s Community Baptist Church (TPCBC) as we commemorated our 40th anniversary. The church family gathered in fellowship, surrounded by a beautiful display of photographs, memories, and stories that showcased God’s enduring blessings.
This celebration was not only a time to reflect on past triumphs, but also to honor the countless contributions of dedicated members whose steadfast faith and service laid a strong foundation for generations to come.
Adapting Through the Challenges of COVID‑19
In March 2020, like communities across the globe, TPCBC was faced with the unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID‑19 pandemic. Under the visionary leadership of Pastor Robinson, the church swiftly embraced technology to keep our congregation connected and spiritually nourished.
Our streaming services had been implemented several years prior, with limited use. Now, we were able to leverage those enhancements so that worship, teaching, and fellowship could continue without major interruption.
For nearly two years, our sanctuary extended beyond physical walls, reaching members in the safety and comfort of their homes.
In 2022, with hope and gratitude, we reopened our doors for in‑person services, welcoming back familiar faces and embracing new ones who had joined us virtually. The transition back to communal worship was filled with joy, thanksgiving, and a renewed sense of unity.
While the return of congregants to in‑person service was gradual, by 2023 TPCBC was averaging around 400 attendees joining us in the sanctuary. Streaming via platforms such as YouTube and Facebook remained viable options for joining worship, and a couple hundred individuals participated using these means each week.
Serving the Community in Times of Crisis
Throughout these challenging times, TPCBC remained steadfast in its commitment to the broader community. Recognizing the deepening needs arising from the pandemic, the church launched initiatives such as Nourish Now to support those struggling with food insecurity.
Volunteers, from youth to elders, worked tirelessly—packing, distributing, and delivering meals to families in need. These acts of service not only addressed immediate concerns, but also strengthened bonds within the church and with our neighbors.
Standing for Justice: The George Floyd Protests
The spring of 2020 was further marked by national sorrow and a call for justice following the tragic killing of George Floyd in Minnesota.
TPCBC responded with compassion and conviction, creating a heartfelt tribute to honor those whose lives had been lost to police violence. Members of our congregation participated in both local and national protests, standing together in peaceful demonstration and prayer for justice, equality, and healing.
In these moments, the church served as a beacon of hope, providing space for dialogue, lament, and the reaffirmation of our commitment to social justice rooted in the teachings of Christ.
Faith and Perseverance Amidst Pastoral Illness
The autumn of 2021 presented another profound challenge when Pastor Robinson faced a serious health crisis. The congregation rallied in unwavering support—lifting him up in prayer, offering words of encouragement, and extending an outpouring of love.
Through God’s grace and the collective faith of the church, Pastor Robinson gradually regained his strength and returned to the pulpit after a period of recovery.
This experience deepened our appreciation for the power of prayer, the resilience of our leader, and the unity of our church family in times of adversity.
Church Accomplishments and Milestones
In the face of these challenges, TPCBC continued to minister and develop. Some of the key milestones and accomplishments during this time include:
Our theater ministry re‑established itself as The Potter’s Project, executing three successful productions in 2024.
TPCBC was able to liquidate both of its mortgages thanks to God’s blessings on a successful capital campaign.
In August 2023, TPCBC ordained its first class of new deacons in 20 years, including 12 strong men of faith.
In August 2025, we consecrated 18 women of faith and virtue as our newest class of deaconesses.
TPCBC launched a Bible Experience in the fall of 2024. This immersive program invited members of all ages to deepen their engagement with scripture through dynamic study, discussion, and artistic expression.
We continued to advance missions, supporting 15 missionaries, including 3 members called from our congregation and establishing/continuing relationships with communities in Malawi, Uganda, and Guatemala. Additionally, we provide opportunities for members to participate in domestic missions and local evangelistic outreaches.
We continued to support education through the scholarship fund, distributing significant scholarship amounts via the JP Baltimore Scholarship program.
We participated in Baptize America in 2025, and 18 souls were baptized on a single Sunday in June of that year.
Reimagining the Church for a New Era
Emerging from these intersecting challenges, TPCBC demonstrated remarkable adaptability and vision.
The church established a Reimagine Team tasked with thoughtfully considering how the events of recent years should inform and transform our mission and operations.
This team led the congregation in examining new ways to worship, serve, and engage—embracing innovation while holding fast to tradition.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Purpose
As we approach the close of our fifth decade, The People’s Community Baptist Church stands as a vibrant and resilient community, shaped by both triumphs and trials.
Our journey from 2018 to 2025 has been one of transformation, guided by unwavering faith, visionary leadership, and a profound love for one another and the world around us.
In October 2025 we celebrated the 20th anniversary of Pastor Haywood Robinson’s leadership of our congregation. We appreciate the Bible‑based, Christ‑centered, and Kingdom‑focused leadership he has provided during that time.
We will also celebrate the launch of a new church website, an enhanced church database management system (F1 Go), and a brand new TPCBC logo.
With hearts full of gratitude and eyes fixed on the future, we continue to seek God’s direction—ever committed to building a church that is responsive, inclusive, and dedicated to serving both our congregation and our wider community.
United in purpose, TPCBC moves forward, trusting that the best is yet to come.
