Restoration Worship Temple History

In November 2008, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Angelo Ellison birthed Restoration Worship Temple in the basement of his home, where Thursday night Bible Study first began. The ministry started with only five members, yet the Word was taught with power, consistency, and conviction. One month later, Sunday morning worship services were added, and the membership grew to fifteen. Though small in number, Pastor Ellison faithfully preached, prayed, and poured the Word of God into us—believing wholeheartedly that the church would grow.

In 2009, on Resurrection Sunday, the ministry moved to 6300 Addison Road in Capitol Heights, Maryland. While we rejoiced over having our first church building, we soon faced challenges that threatened our very existence. One day, a Prince George’s County Building Inspector informed Pastor Ellison that, due to zoning restrictions, we could no longer hold services at that location—effective immediately. After the inspector left, Pastor Ellison lifted his eyes toward heaven and declared, “Lord, this is Your problem.” The church prayed, fasted, and stood in faith. God moved miraculously using the same inspector who once sought to shut us down to grant us favor and permission to remain at 6300 Addison Road.

In 2010, the Lord warned Pastor Ellison that he would soon lose his position as a GS‑14 Area Property Manager for the DC Metropolitan Police Department, and when that happened, God wanted him to “build His house.” During this season of transition, Pastor Ellison discovered 7929 Old Branch Avenue in Clinton, Maryland, then a functioning car garage. Through hard work, sacrifice, and the undeniable favor of God, that garage was transformed into a beautiful sanctuary. In July 2015, however, the landlord declined to renew the lease and issued a 60‑day notice to vacate.

Pastor Ellison prayed for a new facility near the Old Branch Avenue location, and God answered. Restoration Worship Temple was welcomed into The New Life Tabernacle Church at 7944 Old Branch Avenue, where we worshiped faithfully until July 2018.

In December 2018, God directed Pastor Ellison to inquire about the property at 7815 Woodyard Road in Clinton, Maryland. He obeyed the voice of the Lord and placed a contract to purchase the building. After five months of searching and submitting five different funding applications, God opened the door. In May 2019, we were approved by a private lender, and the vision moved forward.

Over the years, we have grown in faith, in unity, and in the grace and mercy of God. We have experienced joy and sorrow, victories and challenges, but through it all, we have remained anchored in Pastor Ellison’s favorite scripture:

Romans 8:28 “All things work together for the good of them that love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.”

Restoration Worship Temple stands today as a living testimony that God keeps His promises, and every step of our journey has been guided by His hand.