Antioch History

Thanks to the blessings of our Lord and Savior, The Antioch Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro has been a place of worship and praise for over 46 years. In November 1978, the Church was founded by 11 people. Ms. Nancy Suber, one of the founders, is still with us today. With the motto "Together in Christ, Growing in Love," Antioch is a forward-thinking church that was blessed by two eminent pastors: Rev. William Thomas, Jr. and Rev. Dr. Tyrone C. Petty.

Rev. William Thomas, Jr. was unanimously elected and appointed pastor in May 1979. Throughout his leadership at Antioch, he relied on God as he led Antioch to worship in members' homes and other churches. Antioch also held services in schools, the old Frederick Douglass Elementary School before moving to Frederick Douglass High School, and Melwood Mall. In August of 1989, Antioch's members marched into a brand new building built from the ground up. To God be the glory. We have a great legacy in Pastor Thomas. We still thank the St. Paul Church and Pastor Robert J. Williams, Sr. for receiving our letter and for giving Reverend Thomas the privilege to lead us. Pastor Thomas instilled a sense of responsibility in each of us, and made sure our focus was on God. He may have been tagged the "Pope of Upper Marlboro," but we were taught and trained to serve our Savior. We were told to learn the Word, study the Word and serve in love and peace. Rev. William Thomas, Jr., the founding pastor, was called home to be with the Lord on August 9, 2001.

Following Pastor Thomas' death, the church chose a new pastor in accordance with Christian principles. Later that month the Joint Board began by electing the Assistant Pastor Tyrone C. Petty as Interim Pastor. In June 2002, Antioch's very own Reverend Tyrone C. Petty was selected as the pastor. Pastor Petty was trained to lead the Antioch family while serving as assistant pastor to Reverend Thomas. Under Pastor Petty's leadership the church expanded biblical teachings, made technology advancements, and secured a land acquisition. The HOPE Center, Inc. (Helping Other People Endure), so named by Pastor Thomas, also expanded during Pastor Petty's tenure. Antioch created additional ministries, and Christian Education was expanded and renamed Christian Training Institute. Antioch also maintained its external presence in the community through fellowship with other churches, charitable organizations, and outreach ministries like the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry. The Covid-19 pandemic began early in 2020. In-person services at Antioch were discontinued for over a year, and membership declined. On January 1, 2023, Pastor Tyrone C. Petty retired and was named Pastor Emeritus after more than 20 years of service.

Rev. Kenneth O. Wright, assistant pastor, continued to lead Antioch before being chosen by the Diaconate to serve as Interim Pastor. At the Lord's direction in May 2023, Antioch formed a pulpit committee to recruit a new pastor. In June 2023, Antioch settled the loan on 37 acres of land. In November 2024, Antioch commemorated its 46th anniversary and held a Pastor Appreciation Day to honor Rev. Kenneth O. Wright, interim pastor. On February 25, 2023, Antioch's Pulpit Committee held its first meeting to officially begin our pastoral search. The Committee was commissioned in May of that year and prayed, planned, and performed a myriad of tasks toward finding Antioch's next pastor. After nearly two years of meeting, discussing, and searching, the Committee was ready to present candidates to the saints of Antioch. The field of 25 candidates was narrowed to three, who taught Bible study, met with church leaders, and preached during each candidate's week. The Pulpit Committee conducted a church wide election on December 8, 2024.

Rev. Lesley Tanai Sanders White was called and elected as the 3rd Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church, Upper Marlboro, Maryland.