DC, Delaware & Maryland District Council

Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton, Diocesan

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25)

The District of Columbia, Delaware & Maryland District Council celebrates its 85th Anniversary!

It all started with a conversation between two great anointed men of God. Those great men were, Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton, Diocesan of the DC, Delaware & Maryland District Council and Bishop Charles E. Johnson, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Apostolic Faith Fellowship International.

Who would have thought a small informal conversation would become the launch pad for such a great Homecoming Fellowship Service.

Shortly after their conversation Dr. LaMont Turner, Council Chairman and District Elder George Twilley, Sr., Council Coordinator along with many others put the wheels in motion and within a few weeks the program format was being finalized with preachers, teachers, social media promotions and Reunion Choir rehearsal schedules in place. The saints were anticipating a high time in the Lord.

Bishop Charles E. Johnson, Sr., graciously opened the doors of Greater Morning Star to accommodate this momentous occasion that would be recorded in the archives of our Council history.

The theme chosen for this special gathering, “We are Stronger Together”. And yes, as the Body of Christ, we recognize and realize as we unite as one, we are STRONGER!

“The body is not supported by one person, but by all of us. We are one, we are strongest working together in unity.”

(I Corinthians 12:14)

What a blessing to enjoy many of our former pastors not only preaching but teaching seminars. We also enjoyed seeing former choir members singing with the Reunion Choir. Everyone in attendance or watching via Live Stream were blessed by the messages conveyed through the anointed preaching and teaching. The messages were encouraging, inspiring, uplifting and life changing.

What a fellowship, it was truly divine! The Council rejoiced as Bishop James D. Nelson, Sr. and Apostle Willard Saunders, Jr. preached under the anointing. The sanctuary was full of praise and worship from beginning to end. The atmosphere was electrifying as many observed the saints embracing, taking selfies, having endearing conversations in the sanctuary and parking lot while celebrating each other just because.

One of the highlights of the Homecoming Service was honoring our past leaders of the Council with precious via video footage of Bishop Willard E. Saunders, Sr., former Diocesan actively preaching under the anointing. The video included: pictures of Bishop Ramsey Butler, former Diocesan along with former and present Auxiliary Leaders. There were also Zoom discussions and Power Point presentations celebrating the life and legacy of past and present leaders.

Bishop Pendleton and Bishop Johnson were visibly overjoyed as their initial conversation was brought into fruition. This “Homecoming” was a great celebration and display of UNITY in the body of Christ. A time to remember and a time never to forget. Truly, “We Are Stronger Together”.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in UNITY!” (Psalm 133:1)