In The Beginning

Adversity and struggle since its official inception (incorporation) in 1961 have marked Reid Temple A.M.E. Church. As the former Dent Chapel of Bladensburg, Maryland the church that later became Reid Temple was named for its first pastor, Reverend Abraham Dent. Located on Water Street, just north of the Peace Cross, in Bladensburg, Maryland, Dent Chapel of Bladensburg was purchased in 1900 for $500.00 from the conference of the newly formed Methodist Episcopal Church. Before the purchase, the church had a white congregation that allowed blacks to join them in worship service. When the members of the Methodist Episcopal Church decided to move to a larger facility, the blacks preferred to remain separate, thus Dent Chapel was formed. The church persevered because of the faith of dedicated members.

Rev. Dent, an assistant pastor of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church, served as the first pastor of the church from 1900-1915. In 1915, Rev. Dent was transferred and Dent Chapel was without an assigned minister until 1922 when Rev. Waters was assigned.

The Struggle

Dent Chapel's congregation suffered many hardships, including repeated flooding of the building and a threat of condemnation by the town council because of the weakened church structure, but they persevered. The church was refurbished and revitalized. Several organizations were established. From the proceeds of a concert sponsored in conjunction with the choirs of Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church, Dent Chapel purchased its first altar Bible, which was used for years. Other A.M.E. churches such as Metropolitan A.M.E. also helped the church with donated chairs, Bibles, and hymnbooks.

However, misfortune again struck Dent Chapel. New and devastating floods, which had often plagued the church, washed away its side. Because of the dedication of a small number of worshippers, who refused to allow the forces of nature to blot out the church, a new dream surfaced: they would relocate. This small band of worshippers was composed of: the late Rev. Henry Fleming, Mrs.. Edna Fleming, the late Mr. Walter Fleming, Mrs.. Gertrude Fleming, Mrs.. Gladys Jefferson, Mrs.. Eloise Chase, Mrs.. Ebrzabeth Day, Mrs.. Viola Green, Mrs.. Frances Green, Mrs.. Helen Chase, and Mrs.. Carrie Smith Jewell. The property and parsonage in Bladensburg were sold for $20,000 and land on Michigan Avenue, NE in Washington, DC was purchased for $12,000. Embry and St. Paul A.M.E. churches provided a space of worship for the "invisible church." Seeing the faith and determination of the members, Bishop Frank Reid, Sr. offered his assistance. The dream continued to unfold.

The Doors of Reid Temple Are Opened

On October 4, 1964, the doors of Reid Temple A.M.E. Church opened for its first worship service. Among the happiest of all the worshippers were those few remaining members of the old Dent Chapel. For them, the day was a joyous reward for the many years of struggle. The building was named in honor of Bishop Frank M. Reid, Sr.

New Challenges

In 1963, Reverend Kenneth White became the first pastor of the new church. After the construction was completed, Reid Temple was faced with new challenges. The small, but spirited, membership kept the church growing in its new environment. Reverend L.G. Lipscombe assumed leadership of the church in 1966. Through successful drives, the members were able to pay off a second mortgage on the church and retire the outstanding indebtedness on the church furniture. In addition to a new heating and air conditioning unit, a new roof was installed and other improvements were made. Rev. E. L. James succeeded Rev. Lipscome. An organ was purchased and new carpeting was installed. Under Rev. K. Watson, the next pastor, the existing mortgage on the church was retired. Under Rev. N. Hines, who succeeded Rev. Watson, the work of expanding the church was continued and plans were laid for the future. Under Rev. C. Bourne, who succeeded Rev. Hines, the building fund was expanded and exploratory work was begun with architects and other building professionals for an annex. During the administration of Rev. W. Wilson, who followed Rev. Bourne, architectural drawings were completed, a builder was engaged, ground was broke, and the outer shell of a church annex was constructed. Under Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington, our present pastor, the Wallace-Smith Annex at old Reid Temple was completed. The Annex was a dream come true. The Annex was named for two stalwart warriors who went to be with God before the building became a reality. They exemplified the tenacious spirit of those who made Reid Temple persevere in the face of odds.

Continued Growth

The old Reid Temple kept going, glowing and growing for Christ with expanded goals, accomplishments and visions under Rev. Washington's Leadership. A Clothing Ministry, an expanded Tape Ministry, Men's Ministry, Single's Ministry, A New Members Club and a Welcome Club were established. Numerous task force committees were also created. The Henry Fleming and Mass Choirs were formed. The Church's financial records were computerized and we became a part of the tech world of computerization. The spirit grew exponentially and the church body grew numerically.

The Move to Lanham, MD

Reid Temple outgrew the Michigan Avenue location and the vision of a larger sanctuary became a goal. Relocation was accomplished after difficult struggles and much prayer. However, God was in the plan, and Reid relocated to Good Luck Road in Lanham, Maryland with approximately 300 members in January 1990. The church now has approximately 2,000 members. Other ministries were established including: Evangelism, HIV/AIDS, Prayer, Radio, Basketball, Youth, Big Sisters, Mentors, Simulated Law Practice, the Temple Youth Choir, and the Men's Choir. Other previously established ministries are ongoing. The church body is focusing on a commitment to tithing and financial stewardship with workshops on giving and Biblical instruction on tithing.