In 1937,shortly after being ordained a minister, Elder Raymond C. Wills petitioned the Lord to send someone home to Southern Maryland to declare unto his people the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Lord replied, "You go." Apprehensively, Elder Wills cried, "Lord, I am young. Those people will say, boy I knew the Lord before you were born." But assured of his calling, he began the long journey home, walking from Washington, D.C. He began his ministry at the home of his brother, the late Deacon and Sister Loundes Wills and pleaded and preached to them for two years to accept the Lord as their personal savior. Guided by the Lord, Elder Wills along with his wife, Charlotte, spread the good news from house to house converting the late Deacon and Sister West Estep, Deacon and Sister Wilfred Hawkins and Sister Louise Young as well as and Sister Georgia Wallace (who is still living).

Click to hear a sermon by Elder Raymond C. Wills

In 1948, a hall in Sunderland, Maryland became the temporary sanctuary where the saints could worship and hear the unadulterated Word of God. There were times, however, when the Elder, using an American Express truck equipped with a loud speaker would hold services at storefronts. While still using the truck, a lady by the name of Mrs. Jane Holmes attended a storefront service and requested to meet with him. The Lord had placed in her heart to give Elder Wills the land on which to build a sanctuary.

In 1953, the congregation moved to its new location, worshiping in a tent while the building was being constructed under the leadership of Deacon Fred Hawkins. In May 1954, the building was completed. Faithfully Elder Wills, his beloved wife, and family traveled back and forth from Washington, D.C. until his home was built adjacent to the church.

In December 1976, disaster struck. The sanctuary was severly damaged and the house was completely destroyed by fire. Determined to keep the Church of God alive, Elder Wills was asked by a reporter, "what are you going to do now?", he confidently replied, "God ordained me to preach the gospel and told me to build this house and I will build it again." While rebuilding, the saints congregated in the home of Elder George and Sister Gertrude Hawkins (Elder Wills' daughter) until the sanctuary was restored several months later.

In 1978, the Church suffered a great loss, the passing of the first lady, Sister Charlotte Wills. Sister Wills was a beautiful soft spoken woman who stood by her husband's side for 45 years. She played a very significant role in the establishment of the Church, and her love and devotion will never be forgotten. The Lord gave Elder Wills another beautiful wife, Sister Alice Wills to stand by him, take care of him and assist in building God's kingdom. She too is a virtuous woman, willing to stand up for the Lord and exhort the Church to be true and to be strong in the Lord.

More History About the Church of God at Lothian