About Solid Rock Church of Baltimore
In the Fall of 1985, a group of Christian believers set sail from the Mount Olive Freewill Baptist Church on a mission to serve and worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Guided by Deacon James Williams and Bishop F.D.R. Williams, the faithful anchored first at the Poe Home Auditorium and later at St. Mark Church on Liberty Heights Avenue and Garrison Boulevard. It was there that the congregation became known as Williams’ Tabernacle United Freewill Baptist Church.
On July 12, 1987, through prayer, pledges, and unwavering faith, the pilgrims marched aboard another vessel and set anchor at 7 East North Avenue. Braving waves of adversity, the congregation embraced a new name—Solid Rock Freewill Baptist Church. Many hands labored to transform the former movie theater into a sanctuary for worship, and God blessed their efforts. Under the leadership of Rev. Tabron, the Word was faithfully preached, and the church flourished. On July 9, 1995, Solid Rock held a victorious mortgage burning service, completing a major mission in its journey. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Tabron stepped down to care for his wife during her illness.
Seeking a new captain to steer the ship, Deacon Earnest Davis prayerfully searched and found a young, Spirit-led leader with vision for the church—Rev. Jeffrey D. Sanders, Sr. of Shiloh Baptist Church in Edgemere. On March 2, 1997, Rev. Sanders was installed as the first official Pastor of Solid Rock Freewill Baptist Church.
Under Pastor Sanders’ guidance, the church embarked on a renovation journey, dedicating a newly refurbished sanctuary on March 5, 2000. He established a host of ministries—Men and Women’s Discipleship, Men of Valor, Hospitality and Nurses, Dance and Intercessory Prayer, and Praise & Worship. His leadership carried the mission beyond the church walls, serving the homeless, the needy, and the bound through an Outreach Ministry. After 18 years of faithful service and many accomplishments, Pastor Sanders resigned on November 22, 2015.
Determined not to let the ship sink, the congregation turned to Bishop James L. Carter, Senior Pastor of Ark Church, who readily agreed to help keep Solid Rock afloat. The church unanimously voted Bishop Carter as Pastor-elect, and for the next eight years he led the congregation faithfully. His tenure included significant renovations—transforming the front of the building, upgrading restrooms, and overseeing other major repairs. Under his leadership, the church was renamed: Solid Rock Church of Baltimore. He also ordained Elder Jacqueline Sapp and Deacon Elma Jones for ministry.
Bishop Carter also raised up another eager soldier, Elder Rashad Singletary, who served as Associate Pastor before being called to pastor Mount Olive Church in Turner Station.
After nearly two years of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Sunday services resumed in October 2021. In an effort to shift Solid Rock in a new direction, Bishop Carter enlisted Pastor Dale D. Dennis II, who preached the first post-shutdown sermon and has faithfully ministered ever since. Pastor Dennis has expanded the reach of the church through creative ministry, including the “Study on the Sidewalk” Bible study, a 6:30 AM daily prayer call, and consistent weekly Bible study and teaching.
On November 3, 2022, Bishop Carter announced his intended resignation, effective December 31. With joy and thanksgiving, the members of Solid Rock unanimously elected Overseer Dale D. Dennis II as their new Senior Pastor. Since his installation on January 15, 2023, Pastor Dale has led Solid Rock in renovating our sanctuary, installing a new roof access, ordination of 7 deacons, technological upgrades, and our story is still being written.
And so, the ship has once again set sail on a new course. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, God has guided Solid Rock Church of Baltimore for forty years. Our sails are filled with the wind of the Spirit, and our anchor is Jesus Christ—the Solid Rock on which we stand.
To God be the Glory!
