CAMBRIDGE — Ten years ago, on Dec. 21, 2005, Faith Baptist Fellowship of Cambridge was incorporated as a church under the auspices of the Southern Baptist Convention, with 49 charter members. A small band of Christians began meeting in homes and desired to call as its pastor, the Rev. Randall Blackmon. The first five years, they worshiped at Pleasant Day Adult Day Care building on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights and soon began a search for their own property.

After purchasing land at 1613 Race St. in front of the Little League Baseball Park, they developed a plan to improve it with church building, sanctuary and educational space. But soon after, when an already existing church building became vacant just down the street at 1312 Race St., it was evident that God was leading them to purchase that property and immediately make it their own place to hold their Sunday School, worship services, and all facets of their ministry.

A capital campaign was organized to raise funds for additional educational and kitchen space. Children are the future church and Faith Baptist members strive to reach the spiritual needs of all ages, especially children.

“On April 16 and 17, 2016, Faith Baptist Fellowship will celebrate the anniversary of their church’s 10th birthday as a warm and loving fellowship, steady growth, a vibrant music ministry, active off-site outreach, sincere evangelistic efforts, Biblical teaching and preaching, all toward bringing the message of Jesus to the Cambridge community.”

A celebration dinner will be held on April 16, at the Wesleyan Family Center, by invitation only, at which time Reid Sterrett, executive director of the Eastern Baptist Association, will bring words of congratulations and encouragement.

On April 17, between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., a light breakfast will be served while congregation and guests may meet and greet informally before the worship service begins at 11 a.m. This service, as are all worship services, is open to the public. Music director Linda Blackmon has arranged a special presentation of the praise song Thrive, that puts together a children’s choir, youth readers, and adult choir. Guest minister will be the Rev. Rick Hancock, who serves as Interim Executive Director of the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network, also known as the Baptist Convention of Maryland and Delaware.

Rick and Lisa Hancock have served in ministry together for 26 years while raising their four children. Rick serves as the director of Missions for the Mid-Maryland Baptist Association. He recently completed his role as Interim Executive Director for the Mid-Atlantic Baptist Network/Baptist Convention Maryland-Delaware.

Rick served as Senior Pastor at Southern Calvert Baptist Church and Dunkirk Baptist Church in Calvert County. He began his pastoral ministry at FBC Sledge, Miss. He also was a Consultant/Missionary for BCMD leading the efforts in evangelism, partnership missions and prayer ministry. He was elected and served two terms as the Convention President in 2006-2008. The Hancocks are originally from Prince George’s County.

“Faith Baptist Fellowship is excited to celebrate its past 10 years of rich ministry, and intends to continue to allow God to lead it to bigger and better ways to reach Cambridge for Christ,” said Rev. Blackmon, its pastor.

Rev. Blackmon may be reached at 410-221-5104.