History of The Sanctuary                          Page 2
 

After years of worship in the “old frame building”, God saw fit through the inspirational leadership of Rev. Colston to allow us to build a new building of “steel and stone.”  On May 29, 1976, after hearing a sermon by Dr. E. C. Smith of Metropolitan Baptist Church, a monumental step was taken - ground breaking for a new edifice.  On March 10, 1978, Rev. Andrew Fowler, Pastor of Capital View Baptist Church, preached the cornerstone-laying sermon.  The cornerstone was laid by the D. C. Prince Hall Grand Lodge F&AM PHA. 

            From this time on, many souls were won for Christ, and many goals were met by Rev. Colston in his almost 21 years of building Glendale both spiritually and financially.  Through Rev. Colston’s leadership, it was not very long before the Church was able to purchase the corner lot.  The members were hopeful that in the next few years the lot next to the Church would belong to Glendale also.

            On July 22, 1985, God saw fit to call Rev. Colston to eternal rest.  His presence and leadership have been greatly missed.  He was loved and respected not only by Glendale, but also by everyone who crossed his path in life.

On Monday, June 9, 1986, at a specially called Church meeting by the Official Board, we met to vote for a new pastor.  The members unanimously agreed on Rev. Anthony G. Maclin.  Deacon Claude Anderson was the moderator at that meeting. On Sunday, July 6, 1986, Pastor-elect Maclin preached his acceptance sermon in Glendale Baptist Church.  On Sunday, September 28, 1986, he was duly installed as the new pastor of Glendale Baptist Church by Dr. Lehman D. Bates of First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights.

            Since Pastor Maclin began his pastorate at Glendale, God has lifted us to new spiritual horizons.  The church membership has increased in numbers, spirit, unity, love, economics and investments.  With our Pastor’s foresight, we initiated a Church budget, purchased real estate in the area of the Church, purchased a Church van, and added a handicap ramp.  In 1990, under Pastor Maclin’s leadership we were able to burn the mortgage on our former edifice.  Later we purchased the apartment building located at 4505 Gault Place, NE, which was named The Center for Education and Administration and used as offices and classrooms.

            Pastor Maclin has organized numerous ministries, programs and services all of which are intended to promote greater membership involvement in worship and church-related activities.

Pastor Maclin instituted an Internet Broadcast for services aired weekly on www.atthesanctuary.org.

            As a result of Pastor Maclin’s vision, we purchased and renovated the former Seidel Chevrolet building and we “POSSESSED THE LAND” at 7610 Central Avenue, Landover, Maryland.  On March 18, 1995, there was a parade from the former edifice.  Upon arriving at our new Church home, we had a ribbon-cutting ceremony and then marched into our new edifice for a worship service.  Our new location had a fellowship hall, classrooms, and a suite of administrative offices.  By that time, our membership had risen to over 800.