Our Mission

The Virtual Church Committed to Serving Christ and the Community!

The Beginning

The Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church (CORAMEC) story began in September 1996 when Bishop Vinton R. Anderson, per the recommendation of Presiding Elder George A. Manning of the Potomac District, informed Rev. Abraham Smith, Jr. of his desire to have him start a mission church in the Northeast section of Washington, DC.  After much prayer, planning, and spiritual guidance, Bunker Hill Elementary School Auditorium, located at 1401 Michigan Avenue, NE Washington, DC, was selected as the worship facility due to its location and convenience.  Our parent church, First A.M.E. Church of Gaithersburg pastored by the Rev. Charles Smith, pledged their financial support for our first year as a worship community.

Initial Worship Service

Our initial worship service was on Easter Sunday, March 30, 1997 at 4 PM.  The Lord had placed in Rev. Smith’s spirit to have the initial service on Easter Sunday because of its great significance, the death, resurrection, and the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ.  What better time to start a mission church than on “Resurrection Sunday.”

In July 1997, the Church had to relocate to another location due to repairs at Bunker Hill Elementary School.  Brookland Elementary School, located at 1150 Michigan Ave., Northeast Washington, DC became our new Church site.  As a result of our growth and the Holy Spirit, the Pastor and the members decided that it was time to move.

Relocation

On April 2, 2000, CORAMEC moved to 809 Upshur St. NW, Washington DC 20011.  In April 2006, Rev. Dr. E. Gail Holness was appointed to CORAMEC by Bishop Adam J. Richardson Jr.  In 2015, under Rev. Dr. Holness’ stewardship, the Church moved to Torries Restaurant, located at 700 V. St. NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Reconstitution

In July 2020, Bishop James L. Davis, per the recommendation of Presiding Elder Ronald E. Braxton, assigned Min. Gilbert A. Ruffin Jr and Min. James C. Turner Jr to co-lead CORAMEC under the hand of Presiding Elder Braxton.  The Church was reconstituted as a 100% virtual Church in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Church’s new mission statement is “The Virtual Church Committed to Serving Christ and the Community.”  The new mailing address is P.O. Box 1792, Upper Marlboro, MD 20773.