Our History

Reverend Albert McKinney desired to devote his life solely to the building of GOD’s kingdom, so in 1935 under his leadership a group of nine (9) persons met and organized St. Paul Holy Church in Baltimore, MD. He believed GOD’s will for him was to organize a local body and serve as Pastor of its members.

The Church grew for a while, but eventually disbanded leaving a faithful nine (9) persons. United as a Church, they joined the United Holy Church of America, Inc. (Northern District) in 1938. The following are the names of the faithful nine:

·       Bishop Albert McKinney (Founder)

·       Sis. Cora McKinney

·       Mother Ethel Johnson

·       Deacon George Knockett

·       Sis. Dorothy Knockett

·       Sis. Clara Walker

·       Deacon Robert Walker

·       Sis. Mildred Baskerville

·       Rev. Pearlie C. Davis

In the summer of 1938, the Church purchased a tent. The Lord blessed in the tent services. In 1939, the Church moved to Lafayette Ave. In 1942, it moved to 1337 Gilmore Street and from there to Winchester Street. Though this was during the “Great Depression”, GOD moved and sent a friend to pay the rent on the building for three (3) years. The Church remained at the Winchester address until August 1962. At that time, the Lord blessed the church to purchase the lots on which the Church building now stands (1340 N. Calhoun Street).

In the month of August 1961, ground was broken and the foundation was laid for the Church building. By the grace of GOD, Bishop McKinney and several others functioned as architect, contractor, and laborer. Through their combined effort, the work was completed in 1962. The Church was renamed New St. Paul Holiness Church. On opening day, the Church marched from Winchester and Parrish Streets to the new building singing “We’re Marching to Zion”. Bishop J. M. McLaurin, the Northern District President, presided over the dedication services.

In the late sixties, Bishop McKinney founded the Baltimore Extension Course Branch of the United Christian College which was located at New St. Paul for approximately four years.

For approximately sixty (60) years as Founder and Pastor, Bishop McKinney continued leading the Church onward until he transitioned into eternal life on February 8, 1995.

In the month of July 1995, General Bishop H. W. Fields (President of the Original United Holy Church International (OUHCI)) appointed, Reverend Sigmond Davis as Interim Pastor. He served from August 1995- October 1997. Soon after Bishop Lindberg Edwards (President of the Virginia District, OUHCI) and members of the Church appointed Elder Nancy A. Wheeler as Interim Pastor from October 1997- September 1998. On February 25, 1998, after long determination and dedicated planning, New St. Paul was renamed McKinney’s Memorial Holiness Church after the Founder, Bishop Albert McKinney. On September 20, 1998, Bishop Edwards ordained Elder Nancy Wheeler as Pastor. She served as Pastor for four (4) years. 

In 2002, District Elder Clarice Chambers oversaw the Church with the assistance of associate minister, Elder Thomas Shields. Elder Thomas Shields was appointed as Interim Pastor from June 2004 – March 2005. The Church was blessed to receive Reverend Joy Carson as Interim Pastor from April 2005 – May 2007. During her tenure, the Church stood steadfast as the upstairs sanctuary underwent major construction. While the sanctuary was under construction, services were held in the basement. Still walking together in unity, the members began their journey of seeking a permanent Pastor. 

When the process was completed, the members appointed Elder Alvin Thorne, Jr. as Interim Pastor in May 2007. Once the Church moved upstairs and all members in agreement, Bishop Kenneth O. Robinson (President of the Northern District, UHCA) installed Elder Alvin Thorne Jr. as Pastor in September 2008.

After 10 years of labor, on March 1, 2018, God summoned Pastor Thorne from labor to reward. He is the second longest serving Pastor in the church’s history.

In March 2018, District Elder Anthony Gilmore began overseeing the church. And in January of 2019, Elder Charles Johnson, Sr. began assisting the ministry as Supply Pastor. In December 2019, Bishop Kenneth White (President of the Northern District) appointed Elder Johnson as Interim Pastor. On May 22, 2021, Bishop White installed Elder Charles R. Johnson, Sr. as pastor. He served until March 2023.

In March 2023, Bishop Gilmore began overseeing the ministry once again, with the assistance of associate minister, Minister Marlon C. Bonner, Jr. In June 2023, during the 104th Holy Convocation of the Northern District Convocation, Bishop White officially appointed Elder Marlon Bonner, Jr., great-grandson of Founder, Bishop Albert McKinney, as Supply Pastor. Elder Bonner continues to lead the ministry forward in this season.

As we walk together in the unity of the spirit, in the bonds of peace as a faithful people, and by the grace of GOD, McKinney’s Memorial is still marching on to Zion!