For some time, Reverend Donald R. Kelly felt the Lord had placed upon him a vision to start a church. He and his wife Brenda had spent much time in prayer, studying God’s Word and seeking His Will for their lives. On the evening of September 13, 2006, a small group met at Reverend Kelly’s home where he announced that he intended to be obedient to God and would move forward with his vision to establish Olive Branch Community Church.  Through his relationship with Rabbi Gary Fink of Oseh Shalom Synagogue in Laurel, Maryland, Pastor Kelly was able to secure the synagogue for Wednesday night Bible Study and Sunday morning worship service.  The inaugural Sunday morning worship service was held on October 1, 2006, at 8 AM. Twenty-five people were in attendance for this first service. 

At the close of that first Sunday morning worship service, members of the inaugural leadership team met for breakfast and planned the church’s first budget ---literally, on the back of a paper napkin.  The leadership team consisted of:  Reverend Donald Kelly; Brenda Kelly; Jeff and Tina Lee; Harold Arledge; Hank and Vivian Boyd. 

Shortly thereafter Brett and Carlotta Tyler joined the leadership team.  Periodically, the group met at home to draft the Constitution and By-Laws for the new church.  This document was ratified by the newly appointed Board of Elders within the first three months of the church’s existence.  The ratification of the Church's Constitution and By-laws was witnessed by First Lady Brenda Kelly and the Church Treasurer, Ray Farmer. 

Membership continued to grow, and on October 1, 2008, two years to the date of that first Sunday service at Oseh Shalom Synagogue, Olive Branch Community Church purchased the historic Lansdale’s home (built in 1870 in Montgomery County, Maryland). The property, located at 416 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Sandy Spring, Maryland, first served as the Pastor’s rectory. This three-plus acre site, nestled in the Quaker village of Sandy Spring Maryland, is believed by some historians to be part of the legacy trail of Harriett Tubman’s Underground Railroad.  Members share this information with pride and humility. Today, as Olive Branch Community Church continues to grow, we continue to be blessed with new members; baptisms; baby dedications; a newly constructed church edifice, a vibrant Christian Education Ministry; a spirited Music Ministry; a powerful African American History and Culture Ministry, a thriving Youth Ministry; an active Men’s Fellowship Ministry; a strong Women’s Ministry; a contemporary women’s Bible study, Women and the Word; a growing Usher Ministry; a magnificent Hospitality Ministry, a committed Finance Ministry; a compassionate Missionary Ministry; an inter-generational Theater Ministry; and an informed Health Ministry. Thankfully, as we grow, our relationships blossom, and we recognize that these are blessings, and each blessing provides unique opportunities for every one of us to spread the good news of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.       

                                                                                                                                        “...and To God Be the Glory”