Church of the Olive Branch

Gazing at the Church of the Olive Branch, have you ever considered its deep roots in faith and community? The Church of the Olive Branch stands as a testament to the power of relationships. Reverend Kelly, the driving force behind this church, understood the significance of connecting with God, family, friends, and colleagues. He recognized that these bonds form the bedrock of a fulfilling life. This belief became the cornerstone of the Church of the Olive Branch. The church’s journey began within the walls of the Oseh Shalom Synagogue in Laurel, Maryland, on October 1, 2006. Less than two years later, a pivotal moment occurred. Church Elder Hank Boyd discovered a property in Sandy Spring, Maryland, destined to become the church’s permanent home. A remarkable coincidence unfolded as the founding pastor, Dr. Donald R. Kelly, along with Elder Boyd and Brett Tyler, chairman of the Elder Board, signed the settlement papers on October 1, 2008. This date, exactly two years after the first service, marked the official establishment of the Church of the Olive Branch at 416 Olney Sandy Spring Road. The church acquired Elmhurst House, the historic Lansdale home built in 1870 by Quakers. This 3.05-acre property initially housed the Pastor’s Rectory and the church’s administrative offices. Adding a layer of historical significance, Montgomery County records reveal that this land served as the last station on the Underground Railroad. The construction of the sanctuary is a story of perseverance and community effort. Elder Hank Boyd led the project, overseeing crucial decisions. He selected Miche Booz as the architect and collaborated with various stakeholders. These included Maddox Engineering, Cortez White, Elder Vivian Boyd, and even Ms. Lansdale, the original property owner, to secure approval for the site plan from the Park & Planning Commission. The groundbreaking ceremony, orchestrated by Elder Hank Boyd, welcomed prominent figures like Congressman John Sarbanes, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, County Councilman Al Leventhal, and Rabbi Fink of Oseh Shalom Synagogue. The construction faced a significant turning point. The Elder Board decided to shift from the original plan to a pre-engineered design by WLP. A new Construction Committee, led by Brett Tyler, navigated this change. Finally, in 2019, the Montgomery County Park & Planning Commission issued the building permit, paving the way for the laying of the cornerstone foundation of the WLP sanctuary. The Church of the Olive Branch stands not just as a building, but as a symbol of resilience, community, and unwavering faith.