First AME Church of Gaithersburg

About this church

First African Methodist Episcopal Church of Gaithersburg worships in person and online Sunday at 11 a.m. Online Bible study meets Wednesday at 7 p.m. Church School is offered on Zoom at noon on the third Saturday and in person at 9:30 a.m. on the third Sunday. The congregation's phrase “diverse in culture, united by faith” frames its welcome, and services can be watched through either YouTube or Facebook. Visitors can therefore preview worship or participate remotely before coming to Washington Grove Lane.

The church's Gaithersburg journey began April 27, 1984, when the Washington Annual Conference appointed the Rev. Dr. Lois Ann Poag Ray to the Rockville and Gaithersburg area. She founded and shepherded the emerging congregation through 1993, a period the church remembers as the birth of a miracle. Present ministries include youth and young adults, the Golden Gems older-adult ministry, missionaries, ushers, choirs for youth, adults, and men, women's ministry, Sons of Allen, and media. Its correct denominational home is African Methodist Episcopal, not Anglican as the former directory label suggested. A newcomer can pair the recurring 11 a.m. worship service with monthly Church School or Wednesday study for deeper participation.

Researched from the church’s official website and reviewed August 26, 2026. Sources: Official homepage, worship, Bible study, Church School, livestreams, and welcome · Official history page, 1984 appointment, founding, and early leadership · Official ministries page, age groups, choirs, missions, women, men, and media · Official contact page, address and current inquiry route

Service times

Confirm current times directly with the church before visiting.

Location