Early 1960's
The Revelation Baptist Church was founded and organized Sunday, April 5, 1962 by the late Reverend James Bolden at the home of Mrs. Patty Brew with twenty-seven members. Reverend Bolden served as Pastor for six years until his illness and eventual death on April 6, 1968. Reverend Lonnie P. Miller served as pastor six months until he returned to his former church.
On December 14, 1969, Reverend Elijah Marshall accepted the unanimous nomination of pastorship of The Revelation Baptist Church. The fourth Sunday in February 1970, Reverend Marshall was officially installed as the new pastor. Under Pastor Marshall’s leadership, Revelation Baptist Church began to grow tremendously.
During the first eight months of his pastorship, forty-nine new members were added to the church roll. The Spiritual Crusaders and Junior Crusaders (groups in existence during Pastor Marshall’s evangelistic days), The Spiritualettes, Hospitality Club, Missionary Board and Deaconess Board were organized. Also reorganized were the existing auxiliaries in the church. Sister Vernell A. Marshall assumed the role of church musician and choir director.
Early 1970's
In June of 1971, Revelation Baptist Church was blessed to move from its small dwelling at 5th and P Streets, N.W. to the 1400 block of P Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. where the Church occupied the entire second floor of the building. God continued to bless through our Pastor as membership increased by many hungering for the “Word of God”.
Financial blessings began to flow from faithful member contributions and annual fundraising-programs were instituted, one most popular was “The Ms. Revelation Contest,” all which enhanced the Church’s financial growth and stability. Pastor Marshall personally made a special presentation to the Church of a Kimball Baby Grand Piano during this time. Also, a special 36 passenger school bus was purchased and painted by some of the members, dedicated, and fondly called “The Red Streak”.
On the fourth Sunday in February 1973, Revelation moved into a newly built church at 2233 Hunter Place, S.E., Washington, D.C.
On Friday, September 12, 1975, at midnight, the mortgage of the lower sanctuary was burned. On the fourth Sunday in February 1976, the upper sanctuary was dedicated. In August 1982, the mortgage on the upper sanctuary was burned.
Note the chronology of God’s Blessings upon The Revelation Baptist Church during the years 1979-1997:
- 1979-1980 Parking lot adjacent to the blacktopped
- 1982 Mortgage burning for upper sanctuary
- 1984 Purchase of new 1984 coach bus, 47 passenger – PAID IN FULL
- 1985 Church building addition complete
- 1988 Purchase of two new 47-passenger coach buses fully equipped with video systems
- 1989 Installation of church video systems completed
- 1995 Ground-breaking ceremony for new church edifice; renamed Greater Revelation Baptist Church
- 1997 Ribbon-cutting Ceremony and Dedication of new Church Edifice.
Late 1980's
During the period, years “79-80”, God prepared our Shepherd and flock for the awesome journey ahead which first included our “Victory Parade” from the old 14th and P Streets, N.W., Washington D.C. marching – “Singing, Praying and Praising God,” all along the way. Oh, what a “Day of Rejoicing” from then to the Celebration of the Mortgage Burning for completion of the lower and upper sanctuary.
Late 1990's
Saturday, April 12, 1997, The Greater Revelation Baptist Church Family, led by Pastor Elijah Marshall, official guests cut the “Ribbon” and entered the new Church Edifice, which encompassed the Fellowship Hall, Conference and Choir Rooms, Glass-Enclosed Mother’s Room, Exercise Room, Bowling Alley and other special facilities. Dedication Worship Service was held giving “Praise Honor and Thanksgiving” for ALL GOD’S BLESSINGS.
Under the guidance and leadership of our beloved Pastor Marshall, God has added to the church such as should be saved. Inclusive in this addition of saved believers, God has caused Pastor Marshall over his 50 years of pastorship to produce much fruit in the form of thirteen Sons in the Ministry, many of whom have, or are now pastoring churches in the Washington Metropolitan area and other states. Additionally, Reverend Amos Beck, Reverend Charles Mellion, Minister Elizah Hunter, Reverend Lawrence Ford, Reverend Sherman Wright and Minister James Boykin, Jr. are current faithful sons of the Church. God continues to bless this flock with the necessary increase in relevant positions of Greater Revelation Baptist Church for His Kingdom-building.
God has truly been our dwelling place and we are reaping the benefits of our faith and trust in Him. Despite all God has done for us, we have yet to see all that he will do for us, if we walk up right before Him. The Church is as strong as the leader God has given us. Let us unite in prayer as Pastor Marshall continues to follow God. Let us be obedient and follow the man of God, committing our lives daily to the cause of Christ.