Two Centuries on Adclare Road
Rockville Christian Church traces its roots to 1822, when the McClenahan family immigrated from Ireland to Rockville, Maryland, to teach English. The family soon began gathering for worship, and others joined them. They met first in homes and at Rockville Academy before the congregation formalized itself on July 23, 1866, when the Articles of Incorporation were accepted and the body was named "The Disciples Church of Rockville." The original McClenahan home was sold in 1841, and the family returned to Baltimore, where they helped organize what would eventually become National City Christian Church in Washington, DC. Through the late nineteenth century, the Rockville congregation appeared in records under several names - Disciples Church, Christian Church of Rockville, Church of Christ of Rockville - until 1892, when "Rockville Christian Church" became its official designation. The congregation has now worshipped continuously in the Rockville area for more than two hundred years.
A Mission of Know, Grow, and Go
The congregation describes itself as a church on a mission to Know, Grow, and Go. The phrase captures a small congregation with a big heart for service: every ministry idea and fellowship gathering is measured against that rhythm of learning, deepening, and reaching outward. The wider denomination's motto, "unity not uniformity," shapes the way members celebrate their differences while pursuing a shared life together.
Worship Every Sunday at Eleven
Sunday worship takes place at 11:00 AM at the church on Adclare Road. The service is open to all, and the pastor is fond of saying, "All are welcome." Recordings of recent sermons are available, with older sermons archived on the congregation's YouTube channel. A Music Director is currently being sought to guide congregational singing, suggesting that hymnody will continue to play a meaningful role in weekly worship. Songs like "Hymn of Promise" reflect the spiritual tone the church favors.
Serving on the Fifth Sunday
One of the most distinctive rhythms at Rockville Christian Church is what happens on the fifth Sunday of any month that has one. Instead of gathering in the pews, the congregation meets and serves in the community. Past projects have included painting and small repairs for neighbors, cleaning local hiking paths, writing Mother's Day cards to women in shelters, and delivering meals to people experiencing homelessness. Even when the pandemic made gathering and traveling difficult, the church continued meeting emergency needs at a local shelter and supported a small lending library and other community initiatives.
Rev. Elizabeth Baird
Rev. Elizabeth Baird has been in ministry at Rockville Christian Church for nine years. Before leading the congregation, she served as Assistant Minister at Aspen Hill Christian Church and as the minister of Young Adults and Youth at First Christian in Falls Church. She has also worked as a chaplain at George Mason University. She currently serves as President of the Christian Church Capital Area Minister's Association, a role that gives her a regional platform for providing education and self-care opportunities for clergy. She has served as a camp counselor for twenty-five years and as a camp director for the past six.
Rev. Baird holds a Master's of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary and a Bachelor's in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Her vocational path also includes time as a social worker in dementia and Alzheimer's units, seven years with the Fairfax County government office for Children, and more than a decade of instructional assistance in Fairfax County public schools. She is married to Gary, has a daughter named Rachel, and volunteers as a Girl Scout leader in her spare time.
Youth, Sunday School, and an Inclusive Welcome
Sarah Osborne, the church's Office Manager, also serves as a Sunday school teacher and youth leader. She and her family have been members of Rockville Christian Church for ten years, and her three children have grown up within the congregation. The Osborne family has helped open the way for a more understanding and inclusive community, including the meaningful participation of members with special needs during Sunday worship. Sarah encourages the young people of the church to take ownership of their congregation - "It's your church home too" - and has helped start a youth-led Mother's Day service and other youth-led community outreach projects.
Disciples of Christ in the Capital Area
Rockville Christian Church belongs to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denomination and is affiliated regionally with the Christian Church Capital Area. The Disciples describe themselves as a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world, a phrase the congregation echoes when it celebrates the diverse stories of Black Disciples during Black History Month and the daily practice of gratitude that pastor and people share throughout the year.
Building Use and Community Connection
The Adclare Road building is also made available for short-term special events such as weddings, birthdays, and conferences. A building use application is available for those interested in holding a one-time gathering at the church.