University Park Church of Christ gathers in Hyattsville, Maryland, inside the Capital Beltway and only a couple of miles from the University of Maryland's College Park campus and the District of Columbia. The a cappella congregation's story stretches across a century, from its 1926 beginnings as Avalon Heights to its Adelphi Road home, and its monthly food distribution serves income-eligible seniors.
Sunday Study, A Cappella Worship and Midweek Classes
Sunday begins at 9:30 AM with Bible study and continues at 10:30 AM with a worship service. The congregation worships a cappella. Ladies Bible Study meets on Mondays via Zoom, while the Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible study is available both in person and on Zoom. Sunday gatherings take place at 6420 Adelphi Road in Hyattsville. Sermons can be watched on YouTube, and financial gifts can be made through the church's online giving service.
From a Bladensburg Road Storefront to Avalon Heights
Avalon Heights began about 1924 as a Sunday Bible School in a vacant storefront on Bladensburg Road NE. The 14th Street Church of Christ sponsored the work, and its members took turns attending what they called the mission. A woman who lived in the Avalon Heights neighborhood and belonged to 14th Street suggested opening the Bible School. On April 11, 1926, Avalon Heights officially met for worship in the storefront for the first time.
In 1930, members paid $1,200 for land within a block of the storefront. With fundraising help from the 14th Street congregation, they constructed a building that cost $3,450. Avalon Heights first met in that building on September 18, 1932. It stood at 28th and Douglas Streets.
Two Congregations Merge Near Hyattsville
In July 1945, the 14th Street Church held a tent meeting in Mt. Rainier. Members of 14th Street and people from other congregations began meeting in a rented dance hall in the town. The room had to be aired out and bottles picked up before each Sunday gathering. On November 5, 1950, the congregation began meeting in a building it had constructed at 36th and Jefferson Streets in West Hyattsville, near Mt. Rainier. The congregation's name changed from Mt. Rainier to West Hyattsville Church of Christ.
On July 14, 1957, Avalon Heights and West Hyattsville merged to form Avalon-Hyattsville Church of Christ with approximately 85 members. They sold their respective buildings, pooled their resources and bought property at 6420 Colesville Road. The congregation worshiped in rented space at the University of Maryland's main campus in College Park and at Thomas Stone Elementary School in Mt. Rainier. A new building opened in July 1960. During the early 1960s, Maryland changed the name of Colesville Road to Adelphi Road. The congregation adopted the name of the town on the opposite side of the road and became University Park Church of Christ.
The congregation began as all white and became permanently multiracial around 1970 through natural growth, without controversy or resistance. The original structure has since been renovated and expanded twice.
Reconciliation, Discipleship and Service
The congregation affectionately calls itself U.P. It is striving to love God, love its neighbors and build one another up in faith. Members have come from throughout the United States and countries including Cameroon, India, Jamaica, Liberia, Nigeria, China, Sierra Leone and Trinidad. The congregation believes God desires to reconcile all people through faith in Jesus and wants to be a place where all can come and be conformed to the likeness of the Lord.
Its mission is to proclaim Jesus Christ as the Light given by God for the salvation of all people, to make disciples and to equip God's people for works of service. Near a major university in the metropolitan Washington, DC area, the congregation sees opportunities to help send the love and Light of the Gospel worldwide. Its stated goal is to enlarge God's kingdom here and in every nation.
Evangelist, Elders and Deacons
Donald Ballard III has served as the congregation's evangelist since January 2022. A native of West Virginia, he obeyed the gospel of Christ at age 19 at the Harlem Church of Christ in New York City. He earned degrees in Fine Arts and Biblical Studies and studied under Dr. O.J. Shabazz, evangelist to the Harlem Church of Christ, as a personal student of the late Dr. R.C. Wells, minister emeritus and elder there. Before joining University Park, Ballard served for nine years as Dean of Student Affairs and Bible Department Head at Foundation Christian Academy and High School in Valrico, Florida.
The elders are Rob Nunley, Irwin Overton and Darron Hogue. The deacons are Tom Liebrand, Howard Cornish, Ken Roberts and Greg Presbury. Each congregation has an autonomous existence. Scripture gives elders authority only within the congregation they serve, and they are chosen from among the congregation's own members. Deacons are also appointed from among the membership to assist the elders in various responsibilities.
Formation, Fellowship and Practical Service
The congregation organizes its ministries under Benevolence, Edification, Education and Worship. Its named work includes:
- Benevolence: Silver Market Food Distribution, Barnabas Ministry, Building Maintenance and Grounds Maintenance.
- Edification: Married Couples Ministry, School of the Bible, Women's Ministry, Men's Training and Stand UP Youth.
- Education: Multi-Media Ministry, Nursery and Assembly Management.
Additional named ministries include Gabriella School in Kenya, Warm Nights in December and the Snow Removal Brigade. The nursery and School of the Bible sit alongside youth and adult ministries, while the benevolence work extends beyond the congregation through food distribution and practical service.
Silver Market Food Distribution for Maryland Seniors
Silver Market is a monthly benevolence ministry in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank. It is dedicated to income-eligible seniors age 55 and older who are Maryland residents. Participants receive fresh produce and frozen meats at no cost. The ministry seeks to demonstrate Christ's love through service to the community while addressing senior food insecurity. Distributions take place on the first Saturday of each month from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with volunteer participation making the program possible. Registration inquiries are handled through silvermarket@upcoc.org and 301-679-5715.
At 6420 Adelphi Road, University Park Church of Christ carries forward a century-long pattern of gathered Bible study, a cappella worship, member service and benevolence.