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-HistoryIn the Beginning
 A definite need for a Baptist church in Waldorf was seen as early as 1938. The faithful efforts of a very small group began to bear fruit when the Rev. C. E. LeGates, pastor of the Indian Head Baptist Church, accepted the challenge and began organizing a mission work. On Sunday, Feb. 18, 1945, the first Sunday school service was held. On May 3, 1946, the church was organized with 15 chart er members. They began worshiping regularly with no place of their own. st meeting place was Roby's Saloon, located on Rt. 5 in Waldorf (sign in window says: Waldorf Baptist Sunday School, Sunday School 4pm, Preaching 5pm, Welcome). Photo on right of existing building, 1996. When that building was  sold, the church met in the Waldorf Episcopal Parish Hall.Our First Building, 1946
 In 1946, our first level was completed on a half-acre parcel just south of the old Waldorf Creamery. The first services were on Palm Sunday. The schedule was Sunday School at 2 pm, Sermon at 3 pm, Bible classes each Thursday at 8 pm. The trustees were Mrs. Edward Moran, Mrs. Mary Swann and A. E. Fletcher. Sunday school grew from 18 to 56 during that year. The picture is of the right side, looking from Rt. 5.
At Berry/ MD 301 Location
 The congregation grew quickly, and purchased two-and-a-half acres on the southwest corner of MD 301 and Berry Road. The cornerstone of the new two-story structure was laid in 1967, with Rev. Arthur Doepp assisted by Jack McDonagh, Alvin Fowler, Claude Bates, Raye Vest, and Robert Wilson. The building was dedicated in April 1968. 
In 1969, a 70-foot white steel tower was built symbolizing the trinity, creation of the world, and the cross over the world representing the one redeeming power of the world. Trailers were added in the mid-1970's to keep up with growth. In 1975, a ramp Unfortunately, since building information is the most easy to access, that is a lot of what you are seeing on this page. The work of God in our congregation is not as easy to document. First Baptist Waldorf has always held a vision of starting new churches in our community. First Baptist St. Charles, Hughesville Baptist and Trinity Baptist churches were started as missions of our church. Programs have grown over the years, especially our Sunday school. Before the transition to our Bunker Hill location, we had a class for each grade/age and 13 adult classes involved in growth through Bible study. We have grown from one to three then back to two morning worship services since 1980. We have expanded our daytime preschool to include 3-yr to kindergarten, morning and afternoon. When the educational buildings on our new property are completed, we'll resume this full schedule.
Our last service in the 11725 Berry Road building was January 5, 2003. Building & Relocation Plans
On Sept. 9, 2002, we completed the sale of our Berry Road property to Best Buy. In January, 2003, we moved from the corner of Berry Rd. and MD 5/301 to the corner of Berry Rd. and Bunker Hill Rd, beside Berry Elementary and Mattawoman Middle School. On Dec. 5, 2003, we held our open house for the new educational facility. Our Christian Life Center is now functioning as our sanctuary. We are now planning our new sanctuary. To keep up-to-date, please check out the building committee minutes:
Go to: Sanctuary Committee Minutes  |
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The second level of this building was completed in September of 1961. A kindergarten program was begun in 1963, continuing to this day.
was built in the front for access by the disabled. In 1981 a two-story educational wing was added, including office space, fellowship hall, and kitchen. The former parsonage, "His Place" that was used for classrooms was demolished in the mid-80's to make way for much-needed parking. With the sanctuary renovation, removal of the steel tower and trailers, and installing a steeple and sign, the facilities at our Berry Road/ MD 301 location were complete.
We expanded into sports and children's/youth ministries through the completion of the Christian Life Center on Bunker Hill Road, 3 miles west of the former Berry Road/ MD 301 location. Shown at the left are the contemporary worship services held there for two years.
