A God-Centered Church on Jefferson Pike
First Missionary Baptist Church sits along Jefferson Pike on the western edge of Frederick, Maryland, and describes itself in a single line that members know by heart: a "God Centered Church, Serving With Joy and Striving for Oneness." The congregation has been present in the city for over 143 years and today counts more than 700 members who support each other and the wider Frederick community. Sunday worship is offered twice in the morning, church school gathers in between, and the calendar stays full with Bible studies, a midweek devotional, choirs, children's church, a youth ministry, men's and women's fellowships, a food pantry, and a long-running golf tournament that raises money for outreach. Visitors who step through the doors for the first time will find a warm, interracial welcome and a sanctuary built under the long tenure of the previous pastor, now pastored by Rev. Timothy McLaurin, Jr.
143 Years of Ministry in Frederick
The church first took root in Frederick more than a century ago, and its current sanctuary stands as a product of one pastor's sustained vision. Reverend Dr. William H. Graham shepherded the congregation for more than 30 years, leading its growth and the construction of the building where members now gather. When Pastor Graham retired in December 2022, the church called Rev. Timothy McLaurin, Jr., who accepted in November 2022 and now leads the congregation alongside his wife, Leading Lady Kimberly McLaurin. The McLaurins have three daughters, and the family brings a counselor's heart to the church; Pastor McLaurin is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who operates You and M.E. Counseling, LLC, and his wife holds down the home and a family business. Together they have shaped a season of the church that builds on its history while bringing in new ministries and rhythms.
Worship on Sundays
Two services are offered each Sunday: one at 8:00 a.m. and a fuller service at 10:00 a.m., both in the main sanctuary at 6430 Jefferson Pike. The early service runs about an hour; the later service runs about two hours. Senior Pastor Timothy McLaurin, Jr. preaches a powerful word, the choir and musicians lead the singing, and members describe the atmosphere as intimate and Spirit-filled. Dress is "casual or Sunday best," anyone is welcome regardless of background or denominational background, and parking is available on site. Membership happens by attending a service and responding to the invitation that the pastor or a minister extends during the service; visitors who are not ready to join are still encouraged to come, listen, and be known. For those who cannot attend in person, services are also available virtually on the church's YouTube channel.
Church School Between Services
At 9:00 a.m., in the hour between the two worship services, Church School gathers for biblical instruction for all ages. The format is discussion-based: a teacher leads each class through the lesson, students ask questions, debate tough issues, and grow in their understanding of the Bible. Adults are invited to drop in any Sunday, no registration is needed, and children begin their own classes at 9:45 a.m. Deacon Jasper Harris, Jr. serves as Church School Superintendent and Deaconess Susan Owens serves as Assistant Superintendent.
Bible Study Through the Week
The week keeps the Scripture in front of the congregation. Bible study meets four mornings a week on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and a Midweek Devotional gathers from 6:00 to 6:30 a.m. on Wednesdays. The prayer and study rhythm is intentional; members are encouraged to come expecting to be shaped by the Word in the middle of a busy week.
Children and Youth
First Missionary Baptist Church invests intentionally in its young people. Children's Church, led by Mark and Yolanda Davis, provides a safe, fun, and Christ-centered space for children in kindergarten through 5th grade, meeting on the 3rd and 4th Sundays of each month under the 2026 theme "Growing Closer in Christ Together." Each month includes interactive Bible lessons, devotion and prayer, hands-on crafts, games, small-group discussions, and special celebrations. The Youth Ministry, led by Chris and Trice Walker, is open to all students in grades 6 through 12 and exists to encourage young leaders in faith within the church, the community, and beyond. Youth meet monthly and submit achievements (honor roll, championships, community service) to be spotlighted in the youth newsletter. A volunteer interest form invites adults to serve as lead teachers, teacher assistants, support staff, or in music, dance, and drama across the children's and youth programs.
Music, Drama, and Movement
The arts at FMBC are rooted in expressive worship. The Choir Ministry, led by Music Minister Darrin L. Carter, assists in leading congregational singing during services and rehearses on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. or Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. The Audiovisual Ministry, led by Min. Jay Green, guides the congregation through song and worship using the sound and projection systems. The Drama Ministry, led by Brenda Lafferty, brings biblical stories to life on stage, including powerful performances during Good Friday services each year. Hands of Glory, led by Georgina Acquaah-Harrison, uses the power of hands and expression to worship and praise the Lord in a more liturgical style. Together these teams shape the sensory environment of every service.
Fellowship for Men and Women
The Women's Fellowship, led by Mary Wright, offers spiritual, mental, and physical activities for the women of the church and gathers for monthly fellowship, with a special annual tradition like the recent "Bowties and Brunch Celebration" honoring FMBC fathers. The Men's Fellowship promotes participation, spiritual growth, and brotherly relationships among the men of the church and meets monthly as well. Men's ministry also drives the Annual FMBC Golf Tournament, a Men's Day event started in 2006 that raises money to feed families and supports youth programs and other outreach. The Pastor's Aide Ministry, led by Yulanda Harris-Hugh, supports the Senior Pastor so he can fully lead the congregation in his responsibilities.
Service Ministries Around the Sanctuary
A welcoming environment does not happen by accident. Ushers, led by Angie Drayton, greet members and guests warmly, escort them to seats, assist those with special needs, and receive the offering. The Courtesy Ministry, led by Genetta Dixon, makes sure every first-time visitor receives a Visitor's Packet. The Culinary Ministry, led by Rose Shelton, prepares food for church activities from funeral repasts to fellowship dinners. The Transportation Ministry, led by Peggy Neils, drives congregants to church and church events. Behind the scenes, the Media team handles video production for services and announcements, and the Publicity and Communications Ministry, led by Mai Bull Roberts, coordinates graphic design, photography, video production, promotions, and print coordination, effectively serving as the publishing arm of the church.
Community Outreach and Scholarships
Outreach is woven into the congregation's identity. The church operates a Food Pantry that serves the Frederick community, and the Annual Golf Tournament funnels resources into feeding families and youth programs. The Publicity/Communications team promotes services, events, and programs online and through social media as the information conduit between the Pastor, leadership, congregation, and wider community. The Youth Ministry curates a rolling list of scholarships for graduating high school seniors, including those of the Frederick Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, the Google Scholarship, the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, the John R. Lewis "Good Trouble" Scholarship, the Xi Xi Lambda Chapter Black and Gold Scholarship for African American male high school students, and the P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Scholarship of Excellence.
Clergy and Lay Leadership
The ministry team includes Senior Pastor Timothy McLaurin, Jr.; Rev. Dr. Lisa Stallworth; Rev. Benjamin J. Hall; Min. Jay Green; and Min. Darrin Carter. The Board of Deacons is chaired by Deacon Samuel Daniel with Deacon Kenner Samuels as Vice Chairman, Deacon Michael Sowell as Treasurer, and Deacon Jasper Harris, Jr. as Secretary; other deacons include Arthur Killion and Dwight Palmer. The Deaconess Board is led by President Claireese Jackson with Yvette Foreman (Recording Secretary), Sandra Gillett-Palmer (Corresponding Secretary), Barbara Daniel (Alternate Corresponding Secretary), and Marsha Sowell (Treasurer), along with Doris Graham, Marie Naylor, Christine Samuels, and Corinne Wilson. The Board of Trustees, chaired by William Arrington with Lawrence Ward as Acting Vice Chairman, serves as custodian of the church's property and financial contracts, with Claudie Shelton, Mimi Gilliard, Clinelle Jean, Jay Jamison, Charles Johnson, and Carl Goffin, Sr. rounding out the board.
Getting Connected
Those who want to share prayer requests or ask questions can email the church at contact@fmbcfred.org or call 301-662-3110; office hours run Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. New visitors are invited to fill out a "Get Acquainted" card so the church can minister to them well, and giving is available online through Tithe.ly or via Zelle using the code $FMBC00. Sermons and livestreams are posted to the church's YouTube channels, and the announcement cycle runs through the monthly church bulletin with submissions due by the 20th of each month. From its base on Jefferson Pike, First Missionary Baptist Church continues a 143-year story of worship, formation, and service in Frederick.