FOUNDERS HISTORY   |   CHURCH HISTORY

In October 1955, the Lord directed Elder James D. Tallie to establish Holy Faith Church. The first church was located at Paca and Warner streets in Baltimore, Maryland. With much faith, Elder and Mother Tallie prayed that God would give them a name for the church. Mother Tallie suggested that since the ministry was being established by faith, the church should be named faith. Elder Tallie later related that “at the very moment my wife said faith, the Lord revealed to me the word Holy.” Since that day, in the home of our founders, the church has been named Holy Faith. The Lord confirmed the name of the church through the words of Jude verse 20 “But ye beloved, building up yourselves on your most Holy Faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” The motto was set: “where the presence of God abides, no stranger feels strange.” The Lord blessed the ministry and in 1957, Holy Faith moved to Fremont and Barre Streets. The Lord added to the ministry, and in 1972 the Lord led Dr. Tallie to the northeast corner of Gilmor and Franklin streets, in the Harlem park neighborhood of west Baltimore. On this site, is the home of Holy Faith church. The church was built by Dr. Tallie, Deacon Melvin Bennett, Deacon Eddie Vinson and other skilled craftsmen whom Dr. Tallie hired. The church stands today as a testament to what faith and having the wisdom of God can produce.

In 1998, Dr. Tallie spoke of his desire to enlarge the church. Being a man of faith, and sound mind, he followed the words of Habakkuk 2:2-3 “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak.

Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.” The blueprints were drawn, preparations were made, and the vision has come to pass. On January 2, 2003, Dr. Tallie departed this life and has gone home to receive his well deserved reward. He was an astute churchman, a humanitarian, an ardent bible scholar, a father, Christian gentleman, counselor, prayer partner to many, and his commitment to excellence and true holiness lives on at Holy Faith Church.

On October 6, 2005, the request made to Bishop David Washington Spann, Sr. (deceased) by Dr. James D. Tallie that his youngest grandson to which he had trained for ministry be appointed as his successor was honored. Assisted by Dr. Arthur R. Shields, Bishop Spann appointed Elder Alex James Alexander, as the second pastor of Holy Faith Church. Elder Alexander has used his youthful energy, business experience, and educational knowledge to renovate the physical and administrative structure of Holy Faith Church. Elder Alexander has communicated his God given vision of Holy Faith for the future, that Holy Faith will become a model church serving as a beacon of the community and the city at large in the last and evil days. Holy Faith continues to stand out as a ministry where people are edified through the word of the Lord, God is glorified, miracles are performed, and the presence of God richly abides.

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