WHO WE ARE
Grace Apostolic Church was founded in 1967 in Washington, D.C., by Elder Joseph Garlington. Upon the church’s inception, services were initially held in the Odd Fellows Lodge located in Northwest Washington, D.C. The church later moved to 10th and Kearney Streets. In 1968, Grace joined the District of Columbia, Delaware, and Maryland District Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World.
The church faced many adversities in its infancy. From 1967 to 1969, the membership dwindled to five members. Without an established leader or location, Bishop Pendleton, his late wife Sister Lana Jo, and Mother Lema Dickinson managed to keep the members together. In 1969, Elder Clem Humphrey began pastoring the church. Sunday morning worship services were conducted in Bishop Pendleton's home, while Wednesday night bible class and Friday night prayer meetings were held in Elder Humphrey's home.
Elder Humphrey and his wife, Sister Audrey Humphrey, recruited men and women from around the city to come and worship with them. As a result of their public outreach, the congregation began to multiply. The first three members saved under Elder Humphrey’s administration were Sister Jacquelyn and Brother Amos Shaw, and Sister Bernice Dunn.
In 1974, Sister Lana Jo noticed a house for sale, on 905 Alabama Avenue in Southeast Washington, D.C. The church purchased the house, and paid off the mortgage in three years.
Meanwhile District Elder Humphrey became ill and resigned in 1986. Bishop Pendleton was ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Incorporated in 1984, and was unanimously elected pastor of Grace Apostolic Church in 1986. He was elevated to the office of Suffragan Bishop that same year, and has been recognized as Pastor-of-the-Week for his outstanding service to the D.C. community.
Under his leadership, Grace has establish several in-house and outreach ministries, and has grown exponentially. In 1986, God inspired Bishop Pendleton to build a new worship and educational center on Alabama Avenue, in Southeast D.C. The rebuilding process began in the spring of 1987, and ended with a dedication service two years later. The new sanctuary could now hold 250 people, instead of 60.
When that location became too crowded, God gave Bishop Pendleton another vision. As the Grace family continued to expand, Bishop Pendleton began seeking God about a new place for his growing flock. An opportunity presented itself, when Grace's sister church, Greater Morning Star Pentecostal church, made plans to build a new building. After many challenges, Grace was not only able to purchase their building, but completely renovate it. With much fanfare and prayer, the Grace family moved in to a completely renovated and larger location on Dix Street in Northeast D.C., in 2007. This new sanctuary can hold up to 800 people.
In 2013, Bishop Pendleton was inducted into the bishopric of the PAW and resides as bishop over the Del., Md., D.C., District Council of the P.A.W.
From humble beginnings with the Lord’s continual blessings we stand as a church operating in kingdom building. To God be the glory for the things he has done for the Grace family.
The church faced many adversities in its infancy. From 1967 to 1969, the membership dwindled to five members. Without an established leader or location, Bishop Pendleton, his late wife Sister Lana Jo, and Mother Lema Dickinson managed to keep the members together. In 1969, Elder Clem Humphrey began pastoring the church. Sunday morning worship services were conducted in Bishop Pendleton's home, while Wednesday night bible class and Friday night prayer meetings were held in Elder Humphrey's home.
Elder Humphrey and his wife, Sister Audrey Humphrey, recruited men and women from around the city to come and worship with them. As a result of their public outreach, the congregation began to multiply. The first three members saved under Elder Humphrey’s administration were Sister Jacquelyn and Brother Amos Shaw, and Sister Bernice Dunn.
In 1974, Sister Lana Jo noticed a house for sale, on 905 Alabama Avenue in Southeast Washington, D.C. The church purchased the house, and paid off the mortgage in three years.
Meanwhile District Elder Humphrey became ill and resigned in 1986. Bishop Pendleton was ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Incorporated in 1984, and was unanimously elected pastor of Grace Apostolic Church in 1986. He was elevated to the office of Suffragan Bishop that same year, and has been recognized as Pastor-of-the-Week for his outstanding service to the D.C. community.
Under his leadership, Grace has establish several in-house and outreach ministries, and has grown exponentially. In 1986, God inspired Bishop Pendleton to build a new worship and educational center on Alabama Avenue, in Southeast D.C. The rebuilding process began in the spring of 1987, and ended with a dedication service two years later. The new sanctuary could now hold 250 people, instead of 60.
When that location became too crowded, God gave Bishop Pendleton another vision. As the Grace family continued to expand, Bishop Pendleton began seeking God about a new place for his growing flock. An opportunity presented itself, when Grace's sister church, Greater Morning Star Pentecostal church, made plans to build a new building. After many challenges, Grace was not only able to purchase their building, but completely renovate it. With much fanfare and prayer, the Grace family moved in to a completely renovated and larger location on Dix Street in Northeast D.C., in 2007. This new sanctuary can hold up to 800 people.
In 2013, Bishop Pendleton was inducted into the bishopric of the PAW and resides as bishop over the Del., Md., D.C., District Council of the P.A.W.
From humble beginnings with the Lord’s continual blessings we stand as a church operating in kingdom building. To God be the glory for the things he has done for the Grace family.
OUR BISHOP
Suffragan Bishop Earnest L. Pendleton was born to the late Carl W. and Lucille Pendleton on September 27, 1943, in Spotsylvania County, Va. He is one of 10 children. He was baptized in the name of Jesus, and then filled with the Holy Ghost in October 1958 at the age of 15.
At the age of 18, Bishop Pendleton graduated from John J. Wright High School, and moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., to enroll in the New York Institute of Photography.
While pursuing his dream of becoming a commercial photographer, he was inducted into the armed forces, and stationed in San Antonio, where he met Sister Lana Jo Williams. After completing basic training, he was sent to Germany.
When he was honorably discharged from the military, Bishop Pendleton returned to Texas to marry Sister Lana Jo on October 14, 1968. The newlyweds moved to Silver Spring, Md., where he became an esteemed professional photographer with the Department of Defense.
In November 1967, they joined Grace Apostolic Church, which was in its infancy. Bishop Pendleton was soon appointed the first deacon of the church, and his service often went above the call of duty.
When the church went without a pastor, he helped keep the three remaining members stay together, until Elder Clem Humphrey was elected pastor. And when the church needed a home, Bishop Pendleton opened up his basement, and the saints worshipped there for two years.
In 1974, Bishop Pendleton accepted the call of the Lord into pastoral ministry, and began preaching and evangelizing, while juggling the roles of Sunday School superintendent and teacher, Young People’s Auxiliary president and Trustee Board chairman at Grace. Bishop Pendleton also taught bible class and preached at Baltimore's Apostolic Bible Study Church, while its members searched for a new pastor.
In 1984, Bishop Pendleton was ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW), Inc., and was promoted to assistant pastor.
Two years later, Elder Humphrey’s health began to fail and he resigned as pastor. Seven months after that, Bishop Pendleton was unanimously elected pastor of the church. He was still working full-time for the government.
Within one year, with less than 50 members, he was inspired by God to renovate the church building. And after many obstacles, members held the first service in the new sanctuary on December 18, 1988. That same year, Bishop Pendleton was elevated from District Elder to the office of Suffragan Bishop, and was honored to speak during the PAW International Convention.
WYCB Radio Station recognized him as Pastor-of-the-Week for his outstanding service and accomplishments to the D.C. community. And in 1994, Suffragan Bishop Pendleton retired in order to fully devote himself to serving God’s people.
In 2000, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education and Church Administration, and a Master's Degree in Theology. He continued his education, and received a Doctorate Degree in Divinity from the Internal Apostolic University of Grace and Truth a year later.
As the Grace family continued to expand, Bishop Pendleton began seeking God about a new place for his growing flock. An opportunity presented itself, when Grace's sister church, Greater Morning Star Pentecostal church, made plans to build a new building. Again, after many challenges, Grace was not only able to purchase their building, but completely renovate it. With much fanfare and prayer, the Grace family moved in, in 2007.
In 2020, Sister Lana Jo passed away, leaving a rich legacy of encouragement, teaching and worship. She is and will always be remembered fondly by Bishop Pendleton and her Grace family. Watch her Homegoing service here. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate her transition to glory. Her memory and legacy of music will always remain apart of Grace.
While nourishing members and visitors at least 2 or 3 times a week, Suffragan Bishop Pendleton has made time to host and serve the District of Columbia, Delaware and Maryland District Council, visit mission fields in Haiti and Africa, and establish several in-house and outreach ministries.
He is a devoted family man to his new bride, Lady Jacquelyn, his children and step-children, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
At the age of 18, Bishop Pendleton graduated from John J. Wright High School, and moved to Brooklyn, N.Y., to enroll in the New York Institute of Photography.
While pursuing his dream of becoming a commercial photographer, he was inducted into the armed forces, and stationed in San Antonio, where he met Sister Lana Jo Williams. After completing basic training, he was sent to Germany.
When he was honorably discharged from the military, Bishop Pendleton returned to Texas to marry Sister Lana Jo on October 14, 1968. The newlyweds moved to Silver Spring, Md., where he became an esteemed professional photographer with the Department of Defense.
In November 1967, they joined Grace Apostolic Church, which was in its infancy. Bishop Pendleton was soon appointed the first deacon of the church, and his service often went above the call of duty.
When the church went without a pastor, he helped keep the three remaining members stay together, until Elder Clem Humphrey was elected pastor. And when the church needed a home, Bishop Pendleton opened up his basement, and the saints worshipped there for two years.
In 1974, Bishop Pendleton accepted the call of the Lord into pastoral ministry, and began preaching and evangelizing, while juggling the roles of Sunday School superintendent and teacher, Young People’s Auxiliary president and Trustee Board chairman at Grace. Bishop Pendleton also taught bible class and preached at Baltimore's Apostolic Bible Study Church, while its members searched for a new pastor.
In 1984, Bishop Pendleton was ordained by the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW), Inc., and was promoted to assistant pastor.
Two years later, Elder Humphrey’s health began to fail and he resigned as pastor. Seven months after that, Bishop Pendleton was unanimously elected pastor of the church. He was still working full-time for the government.
Within one year, with less than 50 members, he was inspired by God to renovate the church building. And after many obstacles, members held the first service in the new sanctuary on December 18, 1988. That same year, Bishop Pendleton was elevated from District Elder to the office of Suffragan Bishop, and was honored to speak during the PAW International Convention.
WYCB Radio Station recognized him as Pastor-of-the-Week for his outstanding service and accomplishments to the D.C. community. And in 1994, Suffragan Bishop Pendleton retired in order to fully devote himself to serving God’s people.
In 2000, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education and Church Administration, and a Master's Degree in Theology. He continued his education, and received a Doctorate Degree in Divinity from the Internal Apostolic University of Grace and Truth a year later.
As the Grace family continued to expand, Bishop Pendleton began seeking God about a new place for his growing flock. An opportunity presented itself, when Grace's sister church, Greater Morning Star Pentecostal church, made plans to build a new building. Again, after many challenges, Grace was not only able to purchase their building, but completely renovate it. With much fanfare and prayer, the Grace family moved in, in 2007.
In 2020, Sister Lana Jo passed away, leaving a rich legacy of encouragement, teaching and worship. She is and will always be remembered fondly by Bishop Pendleton and her Grace family. Watch her Homegoing service here. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate her transition to glory. Her memory and legacy of music will always remain apart of Grace.
While nourishing members and visitors at least 2 or 3 times a week, Suffragan Bishop Pendleton has made time to host and serve the District of Columbia, Delaware and Maryland District Council, visit mission fields in Haiti and Africa, and establish several in-house and outreach ministries.
He is a devoted family man to his new bride, Lady Jacquelyn, his children and step-children, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
