During the 1970's, God led Elder Wills to prepare for the overwhelming growth of the ministry. Thus, the planning stages and procuring of land began. It became more necessary, as time progressed, to build a larger sanctuary with facilities to accommodate our senior citizens and the handicapped. In 1985 the ground breaking ceremony was performed and in 1990, the new sanctuary was completed.

In 1992, Elder Wills, realized his health was deteriorating and recognized that he would not be able to continue in the same capacity to lead God's people, passed the baton to Elder George Hawkins, Sr. For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me: him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that every soul which will not hear that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people. Elder Raymond C. Wills passed on February 10, 2001.

Click to hear a sermon by Bishop George W. Hawkins Sr.

Elder Hawkins' style of preaching blessed the lives of people throughout the East coast in such places as North Carolina; Newport News, VA; Washington, DC; Philadelphia, PA; New York City; as well as Chicago, IL. In addition to preaching, Pastor Hawkins held many marriage seminars and family counseling sessions.

In 1999, Pastor Hawkins developed 12 ministries in which the saints could take an active role in carrying out Jesus' command to "occupy until I come." He also realized the need for the youth to remain chaste; and after being inspired by the Lord, he instituted the "Twelve Holy Principles" as a guideline to preserve them to remain pure. Also, he established the Purity Club, a biweekly organization in which youth were taught and encouraged to be "a peach out of reach." (Romans 13:14). In 2002, Elder Hawkins implemented AWANA into the weekly Purity Club meetings. Pastor Hawkins was determined to spread the gospel to the world.

Pastor Hawkins began broadcasting messages directly into the homes of its listeners and viewers by way of radio and cable telecast services. To further the expansion and outreach services of the Church, a second edifice was purchased in Calvert County, Maryland. In 2003, Bishop Leon Harper appointed and consecrated Pastor Hawkins to the office of Bishop. In 2002, his civic contributions were recognized with citations from both the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate as well as from the President of the Senate, Senator Thomas Mike Miller, Jr. Bishop Hawkins faithfully and without pretence preached the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for 25 years; rightly dividing the scripture, here a little and there a little. His ministry blessed many people helping them realize their life's potential and destiny. During his tenure, the Church matured and advanced its spiritual growth in Christ. Many of the children that he taught in Sunday School have attended college and are currently active in the Church.

Bishop Hawkins went home to be with the Lord on September 12, 2008. His son, Elder Derek Hawkins succeeded Bishop Hawkins. Bishop Hawkins was married to Sis. Gertrude Hawkins, who has been instrumental in the development of this ministry.