Members of Community Baptist Church enjoyed outdoor annual 'Gospel on the Greens'

By Timothy Cox for Maryland Patch News Reports

JESSUP, MARYLAND -- Historically speaking, on July 20, 1948, at 8:30 p.m., a group of Christians congregated in the home of Deacon and Sister John Kitchen on Cedar Avenue in Jessup, Maryland.
The purpose of this meeting was to organize a community Sunday school. The first session was held on July 25, 1948, at three o'clock in the afternoon, according to the website owned by Community Baptist Church in Jessup, Maryland.
Some 77 years later, Community Baptist Church in central Maryland, remains a viable and successful religious community={Maryland.
On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 4, 2025 - several members of the church, including friends and family, were led by the Rev. Frank Hines and first lady Sherileen Hines, during what was dubbed as 'Gospel on the Greens' - an outdoor day of fellowship and celebration, featuring live music, inflatable bounce houses for children, choirs and delicious picnic-style dinners.
Rev. Hines told the congregation he was impressed with the turnout - while thanking the Lord for excellent weather, a sun-splashed day accompanied by clear blue skies coupled with a pleasant breeze to help keep hot temperatures at bay.
A visiting troupe from Union Memorial Baptist Church, led by the Rev. William Henry Johnson and his first-lady wife, Cathy Johnson, provided a spiritual vibe that kept the outdoor congregation clapping their hands and tapping their toes. Though small in numbers, the Westminster-based UMBC group made their melodious presence well stated.
Meanwhile, a large-contingent choir representing the home church, Community Baptist Church - sang praises and showed their worth by offering a plethora of gospel standards that were welcomed by what appeared to be about 200 people in attendance.
The smoke from grilled hot dogs, smoked kielbasa and hamburgers surrounded the church grounds, as congregants of various ages seemed to enjoy the outdoor event.
Rev. Hines and Deacon Gillard, both noted that this was the fourth annual event - and the church family anticipates a continuation of this event for the future.
Historically speaking, on Sunday, July 20, 1980, a large crowd of members, neighbors, and friends marched into the new Church, the current sanctuary, which is located at 7444 Cedar Ave., Jessup, Maryland 20794. The church can be reached at 410.799.2613.

(ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Timothy Cox is a member of Union Memorial Baptist Church's music ministry in Westminster, and can be reached at teacawks2@gmail.com).