Our pastors & first lady
Bishop Laurence C. Thornton
Pastor
Angeleta Thornton
First Lady
Elder Travis Thornton & Keshia Thornton
Assistant Pastor
Get to know the dedicated team at United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic. Our pastors and ministry leaders are devoted to creating a welcoming and inclusive community for all who seek to grow in their faith.
We Believe
The Bible: The Bible is the infallible Word of God and the authority for salvation and Christian living. ( II Timothy 3:16)
God: There is one God, who has revealed Himself as our Father, in His Son Jesus Christ, and as the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is God manifested in flesh. He is both God and man. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Ephesians 4:4-6; Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16)
Sin and Salvation: Everyone has sinned and needs salvation. Salvation comes by grace through faith based on the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Our basic and fundamental doctrine shall be the Bible standard of full salvation, which is repentance, baptism in water by immersion in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. (Romans 3:23-25; 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; John 3:3-5; Acts 2:38; I Peter 3:20,21; Mark 16:16; Titus 3:5)
The Gospel: The saving gospel is the good news that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. We obey the gospel by repentance (death to sin), water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (burial), and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (resurrection). ( I Corinthians 15:1-4; Acts 2:4, 37-39; Romans 6:3-4)
Holy Living: As Christians we are to love God and others. We should live a holy life inwardly and outwardly, and worship God joyfully. The supernatural gifts of the Spirit, including healing, are for the church today. (Mark 12:28-31; II Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; I Corinthians 12:8-10)
The Future: Jesus Christ is coming again to catch away His church. In the end will be the final resurrection and the final judgment. The righteous will inherit eternal life, and the unrighteous, eternal death. (I Thes.4:16-17; Rev. 20:11-15)
Church History
The United Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, Inc. (originally named The Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic) was founded by Bishop James B. Thornton and Mother Janie Thornton in August of 1961 along with founding members, Brother Columbus Robinson and Mother Virginia Garnett.
The church's first house of worship was located at 4 Avon Road in Turners Station, Maryland. Later that year the church relocated to 449 East Lanvale Street in Baltimore, Maryland. In the 1960's, successive moves included Robert Street and Greenmount Avenue. In 1970, the church relocated to the 2200 block of Park Avenue.
Many souls were saved at the Park Avenue edifice. The church soon outgrew this building to the point where annual Convocations had to be held at the Baltimore Convention Center. After much dedication and consecration, the Lord led Bishop Thornton to the former St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church located in the Better Waverly and Greater Homewood areas of Baltimore, Maryland. In August of 1999, The United Church relocated to this beautiful edifice on Gorsuch Avenue, where it remains today.
Still endeavoring to fulfill its mission, The United Church has grown spiritually and progressively in membership and continues to strengthen and expand in ministry. With able leaders and a dedicated congregation, the church moves forward with a purpose to edify the body of Christ and reap the harvest of lost souls for God’s kingdom. With one mind, one spirit, and one faith in the true and living God, the United Church strives to live and lead others to an abundant life in Jesus Christ.