cHURCH hISTORY

The Promised Land Baptist Church was founded by Reverend H. Ellis Turner in 1968. In November 1967 he met with a few members of Carron Baptist Church. At that meeting Rev. Turner informed them that he was resigning as pastor of the church and returning to the work of evangelism. In attendance were Deacon George Malone, Sis. Alberta Sullivan, Sis. Julia Dixon, Deacon Stafford Lance, Sis. Alberta Boddie, Sis. Claudia McDaniel, and Deacon and Mrs. Reid. The members expressed their support for him and his leadership and encouraged him to start another church. Sis. Julia Dixon offered the use of her lodge hall in northwest Washington. The first service was held in December 1967.

In September 1968, the congregation moved into their new home and was soon blessed with enough funds to secure another property on Farragut Street, NW. The Gospel Chorus was the first formal singing group followed by the Senior and Youth Choirs. As the church grew physically, the congregation decided to search for a larger sanctuary. After careful negotiations, they secured the present location at 401 Van Buren Street, NW.

The church suffered the loss of its pastor, Rev. Turner, in 1982. After searching nearly two-years for a new shepherd, Rev. Walter E. Bryant was called to pastor in October 1984. This young pastor had a calm demeanor, a humble spirit, and was anointed to preach the gospel.

Pastor Bryant’s vision was for Promised Land to continue growing both physically and spiritually. Under his leadership new ministries were organized – Youth Ministry, Men’s Fellowship/Mentors Program, Couples Ministry, Golden Age Ministry, Junior Usher Board, and Prison Ministry. The Wednesday evening Bible Study was restructured to a comprehensive Bible Institute. The Promised Land Post, the church’s newsletter, debuted in 1993. His most rewarding vision came in the form of the new addition to the church in 1994, which consisted of the choir loft, a baptismal pool, two classrooms, and an extension to the kitchen. During his tenure, the church Constitution and By-Laws were established (1998).

Pastor Bryant served until January 9, 2000. The Lord had equipped His church to continue spreading the Good News through the powerful preaching of Ministers Morretta Henderson, Thomas J. Horne, Arnold McLaurin, Juschelle McLaurin, and Ayize Sabater. The leadership role was assumed by Deacon Board Chairman Rodney Brown. Because of the dedicated commitment of the chairman, the ministerial staff, the Joint Board (deacons and trustees), and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Promised Land continued to prosper. A pulpit committee was formed to find the shepherd for God’s people.

Rev. Thomas J. Horne was voted in as interim pastor in December 2001 and as pastor in December 2002. Pastor Horne had served as an associate minister for more than 11 years, Pastoral Assistant to Pastor Bryant, and as a gifted musician. On May 18, 2003, he was installed as pastor. During Pastor Horne’s tenure, he organized the Evangelistic Ministry. Under his pastoralship, three ministers were licensed to preach the gospel. The Women’s Ministry was also organized. He was the musician and director of the Gospel Chorus, Male Chorus, and God’s Angels. 

In 2003, Rev. Leanna Williams, at the behest of Pastor Thomas Horne, joined Promised Land. She initiated the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, participated in the “Shoe Box Initiative,” and facilitated the Membership Ministry. Pastor Horne served as shepherd until September 30, 2008.

On December 6, 2008, Rev. Ayize Sabater, a son of Promised Land for over 12 years and Pastoral Assistant to Pastor Horne, was voted in as interim pastor. He was committed to an effective and efficient transition of spiritual leadership for the church. Rev. Sabater brought powerful preaching, teaching, and the gift of administration. During his tenure, the Constitution and By-Laws were revised in 2010. He activated the Disciplinary Council, which is Article 11 of the By-Laws. He was dedicated to visiting the sick and comforting the bereaved. He worked tirelessly during the transition and was instrumental in assisting the progress of the Pastoral Search Committee.

On April 9, 2011, Rev. Peter J. Spann accepted the call to be the fourth pastor of Promised Land Baptist Church. He was installed on July 31, 2011. He began his ministry with a clearly defined mission, vision, and motto. During his pastorate, the church became more involved in community outreach. He also implemented the In-reach Ministry for members, established a Technology and Social Media Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Children’s Church, and Men’s Bible Study. Pastor Spann served until June 2014.

For nearly two years, Rev. Williams (our sole associate minister) and numerous other guest preachers, delivered the Word. Deacon Rodney Brown served a critical role in church leadership. The Promised Land family remained united, faithful, and committed as we moved forward by God’s grace and mercy.

A Pastoral Search Committee was formed in 2015. The members worked diligently, and dedicated themselves toward finding a new shepherd for our church. On April 9, 2016, Rev. Kevin A. O’Bryant accepted the call, and became our Pastor-Elect. As we celebrated our 48th anniversary, we also thanked our Heavenly Father for blessing us with our new pastor.

We celebrated the installation of Rev. O’Bryant as the Pastor of Promised Land Baptist Church on August 21, 2016. He has initiated the Health Awareness Ministry, established a Junior Deacons’ Ministry, and renewed the Junior Ushers’ Ministry. 

In 2018, Pastor O’Bryant implemented the convenience of online giving through Givelify. Also in that year, Promised Land celebrated 50 years of ministry. This commemoration also included a grand banquet, which was held at La Fontaine Bleue, and a souvenir newsletter.

In March 2020, the church had to reimagine ministry due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. We began implementing digital resources which enabled us to spread God’s Word virtually (around the world) via teleconferencing and streaming platforms. Since that time, a Wednesday Power of Prayer Call and a Thursday Noon Day Prayer Call were launched. 

Thanks to God and faithful financial support, major upgrades to the church building have also been accomplished. These improvements include the installation of new pew cushions, as well as interior and exterior church painting, in 2021. New carpeting was installed in the sanctuary in 2022. 

During the 2023-2024 Church year, Promised Land was blessed to receive a generous endowment of Pulpit furniture, Communion furniture and the Sanctuary floor lectern as well as appropriate upgrades to sound equipment.  To round out the church's capital improvements-to-date, the foyer floors and stairs were replaced and upgraded and entrance doors were installed.

Promised Land’s ministry efforts included collaborating with “S.O.M.E and Food & Friends.” The church, by and through the Feed the Hungry Ministry, also provides benevolence assistance to meet individual's emergency dietary needs via grocery gift cards. We have significantly increased our investment in the scholarship for our students.

To God be the glory for His never-ending grace, mercy, and power as we continue pursuing kingdom excellence!