The first church service in the area was held on March 6, 1965, in downtown Baltimore. The theme of the celebration was taken from Matthew 17:20: “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.”

The sermon for the day was given by Don McCoy on loving one another. There were special music pieces performed during Sabbath services by various members and families in the congregation.

We had a delightful organized finger food meal with platters of sandwiches, wraps, chicken wings, and meatballs, as well as cheese, veggie and fruit trays. A dessert table was set up with brownies, cookies, miniature desserts, ice cream, and a cake commemorating the 50th anniversary. Tables were full of memorabilia, from pictures to brochures commemorating previous anniversary celebrations in the area, as well as a copy of a letter from Herbert Armstrong announcing the first church service in Maryland, and a Plain Truth magazine from March 1965.

A photo booth was set up for anyone interested in having their picture taken throughout the evening. There were silver lapel pins engraved with “All Things Possible Mustard Seed” given to each adult as a keepsake. Each teen received a Ten Commandments and a mustard seed bookmark, and each of the younger children received a goody bag. The entertainment after the Sabbath included performances by the youth in the congregation, and to top off the night, there was a narrated slideshow featuring photos of events and brethren in the area over the past 50 years.