The “Branch of Zion” known as Gethsemane United Methodist Church was established by the union of two historic congregations, Ridgely-Zion United Methodist Church and Seat Pleasant United Methodist Church. Each of these churches had a rich legacy of strong religious faith, Kingdom building, community involvement, and strong ministerial and lay leadership. Moreover, each church had experienced previous mergers and relocation. In 1978, the Baltimore Washington Conference assigned Reverend Orin W. Dooley, pastor of Seat Pleasant UMC, to also serve Ridgely-Zion UMC; thereby creating a two point Charge. During Reverend Dooley’s tenure, the merger of the two churches was conceived. However, it was in August 1980, during the pastoral leadership of Reverend Louis Shockley, Jr., in accordance with the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, and under the oversight and guidance of the Baltimore Washington Conference, the two churches agreed to form a single congregation known as Gethsemane United Methodist Church.

The Ridgely branch of this great union is the older of the two congregations. Ridgely Methodist Church was formed by the trustees of a small Methodist Church in the 1870’s. In 1871, Lewis Ridgely, Joseph Beall, and Richard Cook purchased one-half acre of land for $20. Shortly after the purchase, a small church was built on the land at 8900 Central Avenue, Landover, MD. This historic Black church not only served the spiritual needs of the community, but also the social and educational needs. Consequently, by 1875, a school was operating within the church. In December 1892, the trustees of the church purchased an adjacent one-half acre plot to be used as a cemetery. The original church building was later destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1921. Throughout the years, the church was led by outstanding clergy. Subsequently, the church was declared an historic site by the state of Maryland and is also listed in the National Registry.

Mt. Zion Methodist Church, located at Hill Road and George Palmer Highway, was built on land donated by Mr. Houser in 1925. Mt. Zion Methodist Church was originally formed as Waites African Union Methodist Protestant Church of Highland Park. This faith community was led by several strong ministers. In 1968, during the pastorate of Reverend Louis Conway, Mt Zion merged with Ridgely to form Ridgely-Zion United Methodist Church. Upon its closure, Mt Zion was designated for use as a community worship center.

The second branch of this great union, Seat Pleasant United Methodist Church was founded in 1909. The land for the church building was donated by Joseph Palmer. In 1912, construction of the church was completed, and the building was occupied at 501 Addison Road. The congregation of the Seat Pleasant Church continued to grow, and in 1927, the building was expanded to include a basement and second floor to be used for meeting rooms and Sunday school. During that same year, the church rented its first parsonage at 531 Addison Road.

Following World War II and the closing of Dodge Park Methodist Church, Seat Pleasant Methodist Church received members of that church through a merger. With the increased membership, the need to expand became evident. It was then that the 17 acre tract at 910 Addison Road, South, was purchased for $34,000. A beautiful, solid masonry church was built on the site in 1961. Two hundred worshippers could be seated in the meeting room which is now identified as the Fellowship Hall. Other rooms in the building were designated as classrooms and offices. A multi-level parsonage was completed on the site and occupied in 1962.

Reverend Louis Shockley, Jr., Ph.D. was the first pastor to serve the congregation of the new Gethsemane United Methodist Church. Under his leadership, membership grew as well as church ministries and organizations. The present Sanctuary, which seats approximately 500 persons, was conceived and constructed during the early 1980’s. A new organ was donated to the church to enhance the music ministry. The Religious Arts Ministry was established and complemented the worship experience through music, dance, and drama. Additionally, a church bus was purchased and used to expand church outreach. Also, a Day Care was operational and served families in the community.

Reverend Albert Moser, Jr. was Gethsemane’s second pastor. He manifested an “evangelistic” spirit by personally carrying the message to the community and extending Hospitality. During his tenure, the music ministry performed, Handel’s Messiah for the first time with a full orchestra and 45 singers, including the Pastor. During this time, the parsonage became rental property and generated income. Most importantly, Reverend Moser continued the pursuit of a prominent place for the church in the Washington-East District.

Gethsemane’s third pastor, Reverend G. Sylvester Gaines, continued the rich traditions of the church as a major Christian and community oriented entity. The expansion of church ministries and outreach under Reverend Gaines included a Food Pantry and Mobile Market, a Head Start Program, and a Prison Ministry. He also expanded the ministerial staff and established a group of Evangelists to serve the church and the community. Safe Sanctuary and Security measures were implemented during his tenure. Also, a new church van was purchased; exterior lighting was installed on the property; the roof was repaired/replaced; some bathrooms were remodeled; and several classrooms repurposed. Through grant funds, a basketball court was constructed for the use of the church and community youth. During Reverend Gaines tenure, the church was placed in the Greater Washington District of the Baltimore Washington Conference.

The Reverend Ronald E.F. Triplett, appointed in July 2016, is currently the lead pastor of Gethsemane UMC. He is not only a dynamic, inspirational preacher, but also an energetic religious leader, teacher, and catalyst for continued church growth and community outreach and service. He has strong administrative and managerial skills and brings to Gethsemane a fresh, new vision. Saving souls is his main ingredient. At the same time, prayer, Bible study, ministry involvement, community engagement, and loving one another are essential components of his ministry.

Under Pastor Ron’s leadership, new ministries have been established, and some have been restructured. He has instituted an annual Leadership Training Day and/or Summit for church leaders and members for the improvement of church ministries and programs. Serving as leader of the UMC’s Lower Prince George’s Cluster of four churches, Pastor Ron has led Gethsemane to worship with our sister churches, to participate together in outreach projects to help the homeless, and to share communal/ fellowship meals. Furthermore, Gethsemane has partnered with the Lourie Center annually to share a summertime, Community Day of fun, food, games, music, and other activities for families and children who are given backpacks filled with school supplies at the event.

Pastor Ron has also encouraged Grant writing. As a result, Gethsemane has received funds from Prince George’s County for college scholarships and student mentoring. Also, as a recipient of the Redevelopment Authority Grant, the church will soon have new and visible “signage” installed.

Following the guidelines of the United Methodist Church, in 2019, Pastor Ron “shepherded” the sale of the Ridgely Methodist Church property to the Mildred Ridgely Gray Charitable Trust. The proceeds have provided funds for needed church projects and the establishment of a Gethsemane Endowment Fund. Improved technology and communication/ sound system (inclusive of speakers, monitors, screens) have been installed in the Sanctuary to enhance the worship experience. Additionally, the church driveway has been resurfaced; sidewalks have been repaired; and a new concrete walkway has been added to the circle. A new roof has been installed on the church, and major renovations and remodeling have taken place in the classrooms, offices, Fellowship Hall and Penrod Chapel. The parsonage has been completely renovated, and its use as a Senior Assisted Living Facility is envisioned.

Gethsemane United Methodist Church is proud of its rich heritage and will continue to build on the foundation laid down by men and women of strong religious faith. As “the body of Christ,” our prayer is to be a beacon of hope and Christian witness to the citizens of Prince George’s County, Maryland, the Metropolitan Washington area, the nation, and the world.