Church History
In 1977, the Office of Church Development of the Maryland Baptist Convention
(now the Baptist Convention of Maryland and Delaware) established that, because of the rapidly
growing population in Odenton and Gambrills, there was need for another
Southern Baptist Church in the area. Bible Studies were begun in a home in
Millersville with Charles Barnes, Director of Church Development, for the convention
conducting the sessions.
As plans progressed, on March 4th 1979, the Steering Committee for the Gambrills-Millersville
Mission, subsequently called Emmanuel Baptist Mission and Emmanuel Baptist
Chapel, (consisting of 3 local churches - First Baptist Church of Crofton, Severn
Baptist Church, and South Shore Baptist Church) agreed to sponsor a mission.
Dr. Cline L. Vice was called to be the pastor of the mission.
On April 1st 1979, the first worship service was held at Waugh Chapel
Elementary School in Odenton. Emmanuel Baptist Mission also started
Wednesday and Sunday evening services in a member's home in Gambrills.
Later, in June 1981, the mission leased space in an office building on Route 175 in Odenton.
In May of 1982, the mission purchased its current property on
Waugh Chapel Road and began construction of the church building. The original
3600 square foot building was completed in October of 1982.
Emmanuel called its first full-time pastor, Rev. Ronald Elville, in October 1982
and the mission grew steadily, becoming incorporated as Emmanuel Baptist
Church of Gambrills in September of 1983.
Rev. Robin Shifflett came as pastor in January 1985 and retired in September 2022.
