The late Pastor Ena Robinson established the Maryland Shiloh Apostolic Church in August 1983. Evangelist Robinson opened the basement of her home at 5619 Ager Road Hyattsville, Maryland to have worship services with eight fellow members. We give thanks for the late Bishop Lee H Walsh, President of the Shiloh Apostolic Church of Jamaica Incorporated, who gave his support and guidance to the young ministry. Bishop Stanley Bowerbank, then-Deputy President, also gave his full support of utilizing the basement of Evangelist Robinson’s home, for church services. He showed his support in such a way, that he humbly, physically helped the brethren clear out and prepare the basement for the Lord’s service. Bishop Walsh would often grace us with his presence yearly in the early days. As a down-to-earth person, he would travel with us to the farm to get goats for our annual programs. Bishop Walsh never hesitated to get his hands dirty during our various construction projects over the years, such as tiling and helping wherever needed.
The original members were Evangelist Ena Robinson, Missionary Prudence Powell, Deacon Howard Powell, Deacon Hartley Robinson, Deaconess Odelle Robinson, Brother Delroy Robinson, Missionary Caroline Folkes-Robinson, and Sister Ornette Channer.
The early church grew and despite many obstacles, there were many victories! While in the basement, many of whom we can consider foundational members came and joined the church. They include our dear Deacon Glenford Wright, Missionary Janet Hyatt-Fowler, Deaconess Cynthia Dillon, and Missionary Chambers. As growth continued, in April 1991, the Lord saw fit to move the church to a new place of worship located at 8353 Landover Road Landover, Maryland.
During this time, then-Deacon Powell was appointed Assistant Pastor to Pastor Robinson. Our membership continued to grow when Deacon Wright’s family, Sister Olive and family, Deacon Sharpe and family and Missionary Chamber’s family relocated to the US and joined the local church assembly. Many souls were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and received the infilling of the Holy Ghost. Many received deliverance and hope, and strength and encouragement on their Christian walk. When Pastor Robinson went home to be with the Lord in 2001, our dear Elder Powell was ordained and became Pastor of the Maryland Shiloh Apostolic Church.
When it was time for us to leave our church location at Landover, the Lord sent a disturbing matter where a neighboring church bought the church property. This was a turbulent time for the church as we exited the location at Landover. The Church temporarily held worship services in the living room of the home of Elder Powell. During that short time, the Church continued to fellowship together and have prayer services while the search for a permanent place of worship was underway.
For a few months after our exodus, the Church began having limited services at a school auditorium in Kentland, Maryland. The Church never got comfortable in this location but continued diligently in worship and prayer while seeking for a permanent church home. God answered our prayers and in November 2004. He provided the 2.2 acres we currently reside at 5021 Temple Hills Road Temple Hills, Maryland. Special appreciation to our dear Deacon Dillon and Deaconess Dillon for their support in the acquisition of our beautiful property. After 14 years, in November 2018, the final mortgage payment was cleared and by the love and financial support of the brethren, well-wishers and loved ones, we now fully own our 2.2 acres at 5021 Temple Hills Road! To God be All the Glory! This achievement is a major milestone for the church after years of rigorous fundraising and concentrated efforts.
Although they are no longer with us physically, in loving memory, we remember not only our Pastor Ena Robinson, who had the vision of establishing a ministry in Maryland, but also Mother Erma Walsh, Evangelist Cinderella Porter, Deacon Llyod Sharpe and Deacon Glenford Wright, whom all have been instrumental in the development of the church. We remember Mother Walsh for her loving and kind heart. Evangelist Porter, we remember her for her preaching and teaching the Word of God. Deacon Sharpe for serving endlessly in the role of a deacon of the Church and expounding the Word of God, instant in season and out of season. Deacon Wright for his hands of support, physically and spiritually, and his one-of-a-kind sense of humour and kindness. May they all continue to rest in peace with our Savior.
God has brought the church a spiritually and physically long way. Physically, he brought us from the Basement to Landover and from Landover to the Living Room and then to the School Hall. From the School Hall, God brought us to our current church assembly. Spiritually, He is adding souls to His kingdom and strengthening His workmanship. The Church has many vibrant ministries whose missions all center on helping and building up others for the kingdom of God. We are grateful to the Lord for His leading in the appointment of Elder Dwight Reid, a devout servant in the ministry of the Lord Jesus, as Assistant Pastor to Pastor Powell in 2020. We have come a mighty long way and Jesus, our blessed Savior, will continue to lead us as we trust and depend on Him.
Evangelist Ena Robinson (1920–2001)
Pastor Howard R. Powell
Presiding Bishop Delroy Farr – President
Bishop Kingsley Andrews – Vice President