Our History

Tracing back in history our existence as a fundamental Christian church is vital to our understanding of who we are as an institution. Much is to be gleaned from the events between the time of our founding to the present. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, the apostle Paul exhorts the Corinthian church to learn from the examples of Israel's past, lest they make the same mistakes. In much the same way, the history of our founding, the humble beginning, should be remembered and be thankful for.


Rev. Kelley Founding Pioneer

The Founder of the Apostolic Faith Church in Washington, DC was the late Reverend Mary G. Kelley. Rev. Kelley was born in North Carolina on January 22, 1901. Her life was filled with activities of spiritual meaning. She later in life relocated to the District of Columbia and, there the Lord manifested his will for such a beautiful woman of God.

In the year of 1953, June 3rd, the first Sunday of the month, the Apostolic Faith Mission was born as a house Mission.  The church was opened in the home of Rev. Mary Kelley with twenty-three (23) people. About 1-½ years after the opening of the church, Rev. Kelley began correspondence with The Apostolic Faith Mission in Portland, Oregon. The organization sent one of its ministers from their branch churches in Kingstree, South Carolina, and Century, Florida to hold revival meetings with the group in Washington, DC. 

The church grew and moved to several temporary locations. Rev. Kelley and the saints began praying and asking God for a permanent church home. Souls were added to the church. Many came and took root in the Gospel while others said the way was too straight. Nevertheless, God blessed the faithful ones who remained.

On March 1, 1964, the Lord blessed the church to purchase property at 513 M Street, N.E., Washington, DC.  In the fall of 1978 a new church was dedicated at this location. On December 12, 1982, Rev. Mary G. Kelley went home to be with the Lord after 29 years of faithful service in the Lord’s vineyard.

Locations of the Apostolic Faith Mission during its establishment in Washington, DC are as follows:

  • 831 3rd Street, SE (Rev. Kelley's home)
  • 202 2nd Street, NE
  • 7th and L Street, NW
  • 2nd and H Street, NE
  • 513 M Street, NE
  • 1325 Branch Avenue, SE Washington, DC (2005 to present)