About Us

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Combined Church History

Agape 1 Church of Christ, Incorporated 

Agape 1 Church of Christ Incorporated was established in August 1999. The manifestation of Agape 1 Church of Christ, Incorporated was the answer to the call by God on the life of Elder Howwin Carter, Jr., and Evangelist Yvonne Carter. Twenty-five years later, the Agape 1 Way of the Cross Church of Christ, Int'l. has joined forces with the Holy Trinity Worship Center, International, therefore birthing the Agape 1 Worship Center International, WOTCC, with Bishop Royce L. Woods as General Overseer, and District Elder Howwin Carter, Jr. as Senior Pastor.

In April 1998, with the blessing of their Pastor (Bishop Alphonzo D. Brooks) of The Way of the Cross Church of Christ, International, the first official gathering of Agape 1 Ministries took place in the home of Minister Howwin and Missionary Yvonne Carter in the form of a Bible Study. The Bible Study consisted of a few people, some who at the time were displaced spiritually, unchurched, and in search of biblical truth. The Bible Study grew tremendously, and so did the Carters’ hearts toward the people to consider ministry beyond Bible Study. God led Minister and Missionary Carter to Pastor and holistically address the needs of the people with whom they were now affiliated. This caused them to secure a place of study and worship service, to ensure consistent teaching, preaching, and learning of God’s word, thus Agape 1 Church of Christ Incorporated was established in August of 1999.

The manifestation of Agape 1 Church of Christ, Incorporated was the answer to a call by God on the life of Elder Howwin Carter, Jr., and Evangelist Yvonne Carter. This call was to a Ministry of “Deliverance, Reconciliation,” and “Restoration.” The Carters sought the Lord for a location for the church, and God led Pastor Carter to Southeast, Washington, D.C., in historical Anacostia, where he met the Reverend Willie F. Wilson, who was gracious enough to lease to them the historical building formerly known as Union Temple Baptist Church founded by the late Reverend Chester Smallwood the Grandfather of the late Reverend Richard Smallwood. It was there that Bishop Alphonzo D. Brooks installed Elder Carter as Pastor. After six years of ministry, God laid it upon Pastor Wilson’s heart to sell the building to the Agape 1 Church. Now with its permanent home known as the Agape 1 Church of Christ, located at 2000/2002 Fourteenth Street, Southeast Washington, D.C. The Ministries that comprise Agape 1 address the biblical truths, the needs of people, as well as reach out to the surrounding communities in hopes of bringing restoration to lost souls.

On August 7, 2015, after the installation of Bishop Alphonzo D. Brooks as Presiding Bishop of The Way of the Cross Church of Christ, International, the Agape 1 Church of Christ was officially announced as being the first church inducted into the ministry under the administration and leadership of this Man of God (Bishop Alphonzo D. Brooks). After 15 years as an independent ministry and with much prayer and consideration, God placed it upon the heart of the Carters to return to their roots. During their tenure as an independent ministry, the Agape 1 Church family always felt a part of the Way of the Cross because of the love shown by Bishop Brooks and the church family over the years. Looking forward with great anticipation to what God has in store for the newly appointed and anointed ministry of the Agape 1 Way of the Cross Church of Christ, International, and its Pastors, Elder Howwin and Lady Yvonne Carter. We are forever grateful to Bishop Alphonzo D. Brooks for his leadership, consistent presence, and all that he has literally poured himself into our Pastor as a spiritual father over these many years to the Glory of God. We believe that this was God’s Set Time for Bishop Brooks and The Way of the Cross Church of Christ, International. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Habakkuk 2:3

In 2021, the Agape 1 Way of the Cross Church of Christ, International sold the Southeast location and purchased a property at 5007 Meadowbrook Drive in Suitland, Maryland, burning the mortgage in that same year before merging with Holy Trinity Worship Center, International in the year of 2025.

Holy Trinity Worship Center, International (AKA) Church of the Holy Trinity, Inc. 

Church of the Holy Trinity Apostolic, Inc. was established in 1910, in an upper room at 1109-R Street, Northwest. It was the first established Holiness church in Washington, DC. Its first founder and pastor was Elder Lewis T. Chapman. He was introduced to the Holy Spirit by W. J. Seymour, originally from Houston, Texas, who had just finished the 1000-day revival at 312 Azusa Street in Los Angeles, California.

The church grew rapidly between 1914 and 1918. In 1918, they moved to 1635-11th Street, NW. On August 2, 1921, the church voted to become incorporated. The following Trustees were elected: Barney Peyton, Chairman; William A. Diuguid, Treasurer; Howard H. Hennings, Secretary; Adolph S. Ford & Robert Johnson. They registered with the District of Columbia Government as a corporation on August 25, 1921. In 1924, land was purchased, and a church was built at 1618-11th Street, NW. The saints marched in praising God’s name on the first Sunday in November 1924.

The late Elder Lewis T. Chapman served faithfully for 21 years. The late Elder Howard H. Hennings was the 2nd Pastor and served faithfully until 1941. Elder Samuel Windsor served under Elder Hennings as his assistant. Elder Windsor served as Pastor for one year and was called home to be with the Lord in 1942.

Bishop Arthur Russell Christian, Sr., was ordained by God to be the next Pastor and served diligently and faithfully for 46 ½ years. The Lord called him home on May 20, 1989. He was affectionately called Papa by the members. The Lord blessed Bishop Christian to unfold great mysteries in the book of Revelation. He said and proved it took the spirit of God to reveal what is written therein. Elder Melvin K. actively served from 1959 to 1964, and Elder Daniel Thompson served from 1966 to 1972 as assistant Pastors, respectively, under Bishop Christian.

Over the years, persons of all races and nationalities have held membership in this church. Our goal is to be a community caring and sharing church.

In 1955, Church of the Holy Trinity joined King’s Apostle Holiness Church of God, Inc., and served faithfully until 1995. Bishop Christian became Spiritual Advisor and then Vice Bishop of the King's Apostle Churches.

In 1980, the Lord laid on Deacon Gerald Davis heart to have a drive and pay off a second trust on the sanctuary at 1618-11th Street, NW. The present and former members and their families were asked for help. The funds needed were raised from January to April of 1980. The mortgage was burned in May of 1980.

In March of 1981, Bishop Christian said the Lord had given him a vision for a new church, and he gave that charge to the trustees. Elder George Chisley was led by the Lord to call a special prayer service for one month before the building project started.

The Building Fund Drive was started under the leadership of Evangelist Paulina Chisley. The Deacons and Trustees found and selected this site, 4628 Minnesota Avenue, Northeast. An architect, Robert Nash and Associates, and a general contractor, Brake & Keesey, were selected to draw plans and build. The Marine National Bank of Jackson, Florida, was the institution that gave us the loan to complete the building. The groundbreaking service was held on September 11, 1982.

When we marched into our new church on October 31, 1983, all of the new furniture was purchased with the donations given by members and friends. King’s Apostle General Convocation, Youth Conference, and Women’s Convention presented generous donations to the church. The Lord blessed us to pay off our first trust in 15 months and the second mortgage in 4 years.

After the passing of our pastor, Bishop Christian, the General Overseer, Bishop Eugene Baltimore, placed the Deacons under the chairmanship of Deacon Gerald Davis, in charge until we selected a Pastor. During the five years we were without a pastor, the Church of the Holy Trinity went through some changes, but praise God, a precious remnant held on to God’s unchanging hand. The Church voted to accept Bishop Wilbert Baltimore as our Pastoral Advisor to help carry us through the Pastoral Selection Process. He did this with the help of the Lord, and we thank God for him, his help, and support. We also thank God for Elder Gerald Davis untiring efforts as Officer in Charge.

God took us through the Pastoral Selection Process, and Bishop Royce L. Woods was installed as the 5th Pastor in the life of the Church of the Holy Trinity on January 22, 1995. He was the Pastor of Antioch Spiritual Center at that time.

Sixteen years ago, his call began with a street ministry and a radio broadcast. God prepared Bishop Woods for pastoral duties and community outreach. He founded a church in the basement of his home and in 2 years, moved to Sheriff Road, NE. In 1995, came the call “Come and feed my sheep” at Holy Trinity. He answered the call, and because of his spiritual leadership, his whole membership chose to come join in fellowship at Holy Trinity. His favorite scriptures are Romans 8:31 and Psalm 100:3-4.

Our Boards and Auxiliaries are continuing to function as arms of the church and the pastor. Ministerial Board, Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Deaconess Board, Missionary Ministry, Usher, Sunday School, Nurses, Pastoral Care, Music Department, Christian Education, Youth Department, and Prison Ministry. Since Bishop Woods has been with us, several new ministries have been initiated: the Men’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry (Women’s Independence Network WIN), Communications Ministry, Hospitality Ministry, Couples Ministry, and Singles Ministry. The Disciples IV Christ also added to the Music Department. Our latest outstanding Ministry has been our Trinity Bible Institute with Bishop Woods as President and 1st Lady as Dean, and has been a great source for Biblical Studies, graduating two Bachelor of Theology classes.

During the time Bishop Woods has been here, the Lord led him to change the name of the church to Holy Trinity Worship Center International.

Our continuous goal is in keeping with the theme to explain the plan of salvation to everyone we meet in the highways and hedges. Compelling them to come to Christ.

Continue to pray for us that this church with a heart of Agape love will be a saving station and a lighthouse in the community.

The Merger and New Vision

Twenty-five years after its establishment, the Agape 1 Way of the Cross Church of Christ, International, joined forces with the Holy Trinity Worship Center, International, birthing the Agape 1 Worship Center International, WOTCC. Bishop Royce L. Woods serves as General Overseer, and District Elder Howwin Carter, Jr. serves as Senior Pastor.

This merger represents a powerful union of two rich legacies, combining the spiritual heritage, leadership, and ministries of both churches into one vibrant body committed to serving God and the community with agape love.

Together, they continue to build on their shared mission of deliverance, reconciliation, restoration, and community outreach, looking forward with faith and hope to the future God has prepared for them.