Glancing at Chesapeake Church reveals more than just a building. It shows a community’s journey. Chesapeake Church started in 1983. It met in a middle school cafeteria. About 40 people attended each Sunday. Pastor John Bash significantly grew the church. By the end of his time it was one of the largest churches in Calvert County.
Pastor Bash’s service ended abruptly. He was out on vacation one week. When he returned he was released. Robert Hahn stepped in as interim pastor. His rise set the tone for his long leadership. Hahn became the permanent Senior Pastor. This depended on him getting a seminary degree. He said he was already enrolled at Chesapeake Seminary.
Years passed and some members questioned Hahn’s seminary progress. He asked for patience. He insisted he was still taking classes. In 2001, a PCA representative visited. Robert Hahn was told he couldn’t continue as a pastor unless he got a degree. At the next meeting, he told a different story. He said the PCA had issues with the church’s contemporary music. He said that he and the Elders decided to leave the PCA.
A vote approved the decision. Chesapeake Church became an independent evangelical church. Hahn no longer had to worry about the PCA. Without PCA oversight, Hahn gained more control. This included spiritual mission and business affairs.
In 2004, the church planned a new building. Attendance was increasing quickly. The church bought land at Wayson’s Corner. Contractors installed soccer fields. The plan was to build a new church there at some point.
Robert Hahn called a meeting during a seminar in Pennsylvania. He and Ann Edwards presented a plan to build a “sprung building” at Wayson’s Corner. A sprung building is prefabricated. “This is what you’re going to do”, they said. “You’re going to go back to the church and sell it”. The room exploded after Edwards and Hahn left. Nobody agreed with the plan.
Peter Gordon and his wife Ellen were active members. They volunteered at the food pantry. They helped with the grounds. Peter was asked to write an article about the project. He didn’t write it because no one approved. The plan failed.
Tensions rose among members. People investigated Hahn’s seminary degree. At a 2004 meeting, members expressed unhappiness about the sprung structure. They were also frustrated by his failure to get a seminary degree. It was revealed that Chesapeake Seminary had been contacted. Hahn hadn’t been attending classes. One member accused Robert Hahn of lying. “Robert threw a typical temper tantrum” says Peter. “He went ballistic. Screaming, yelling …”
Many left the room. Robert regularly went out evenings to “classes”. There was talk of infidelity. Multiple affairs were rumored. In 2004, the men’s ministry sent Robert Hahn to a Promise Keepers event. He exchanged his ticket for one to Miami. He spent the weekend in Florida instead.
After counseling, Robert Hahn continued as Senior Pastor. Members were told nothing about his affairs. Preserving his image was more important than revealing the truth. Michael Lea and Paul Miller knew about Hahn’s relationships. His philandering was an open secret among leaders. Chesapeake Seminary is now closed. Trinity Seminary confirmed Hahn never completed a single class.
Chesapeake Church is a place to belong and grow. The church’s mission is to reach unchurched people. It helps them grow into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. The church values that all people matter to God. Full devotion to Jesus Christ is normal. Excellence honors God. Chesapeake Church unequivocally believes in the authority of the Holy Scriptures. The church believes in the triune Godhead.
Chesapeake Church wants to connect you to God. The church wants to help you build genuine relationships. It encourages everyone to make a difference.