The History of the First Evangelical Haitian Church

The first Evangelical Haitian Church is located now at the Hillandale Baptist Church, 2601 Powder Mill Road, Adelphi, Maryland 20783. The church was founded in 1977 as the result of a merger of two different groups, working in the Washington Metropolitan area, having totaling different objectives. Sister Herodia Jean Baptiste of Catholic faith at the time was leading a group of believers, praying for her daughter who was very ill in Haiti. The other group, lead by the late Pastor Arthur Bonhomme, was very active in the search for lost souls to bring them to Christ. At that time, there was no Haitian church in the Washington Metropolitan area. After hearing the existence of the group lead by sister Herodia, Pastor Bonhomme, one day decided to pay them a visit with his group. Both groups met at a prayer meeting taking place at one of the participant s house at Mount Rainier, at the border between Maryland and Washington DC. Realizing the impressing number of people present at the gathering, Pastor Bonhomme proposed the merger of the two groups with the objectives of spreading the Gospel of Christ and save souls. The proposition pleased to sister Herodia who gave herself to the Lord at the first worship service held by the new group on January first 1977 at the local of the National Baptist Church, located at the intersection of 16th St and Columbia Rd, Washington DC.

Few years later, The First Evangelical Haitian Church moved to a new address at the 19th Street Baptist Church, located at 16th St, Washington DC still under the leadership of the beloved Pastor Arthur Bonhomme. Some years later, the church experienced the passing of its beloved leader called by His maker to eternal life. The work the pastor started did not stop but continued under the leadership of his son, Pastor Charles Henry Bonhomme, who succeeded his father. Once again, the First Evangelical Haitian Church had to move from Washington DC to Adelphi, Maryland where it is located now. Despite some difficult times in its history, the First Haitian Evangelical Church has never shifted from its mission, which is to win souls for God and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our goal will always be to defend the Truth who is Jesus Christ and promote unity among all, while expecting the glorious return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who will reward every one according to his works.