Rev. William Brown

Rev. William Brown was born December 23, 1919 in Baltimore, MD. He was the second child born to the late Maggie V. Nelson-Brown and the late Thornton T. Brown from Midland, Va. He was a graduate of the elementary and junior high schools of Baltimore, Maryland. He was a graduate from Manassas Regional Senior High school of Manassas, Virginia. In 1942, he joined the US Army during World War II and served in the China-Burma (CBI) theater with the 848th Engineer Aviation Battalion where he served for three years. The Unit was responsible for the Ledo Road being built. The Ledo Road (from Ledo, Assam, India to Kunming, China) was built during World War II so that the Western Allies could supply the Chinese as an alternative to the Burma Road which had been cut by the Japanese in 1942. Rev. William Brown was married to the late Mary L. Brown in August 26, 1942. Out of this Union were born 6 children (William, Herbert, Burnetta, Anthony, Dennis and Lewis Brown). After completing his term in the Armed Service, he resumed his studies in the Baltimore City School system while working at Bethlehem Steel Mill at Sparrows Point.He attended adult education classes in Baltimore City where his interest was in theological training at the Morris College School of Religion, Maryland Baptist Center School of Religion and Howard University of Washington DC. He preached his trial service at Faith Baptist Church, Baltimore MD under the guidance of Walter E. Paige. Rev. Brown was active in many religious, civic and educational projects. He served in the following capacities of Past President in the Maryland Baptist Convention, a member of the Baltimore Baptist Ministers Conference and Ministerial Alliance, a board member of Citizens Volunteerism in the Baltimore City Schools since 1975. He served as Chairman of the Trustee’s board for the convention. He served as President of the Maryland Baptist Convention for eight years (1975 - 1983). He received his Doctorate of Divinity degree on November 29, 1981 from the National Park Seminary in College Park of Baltimore, MD. On July 31, 1984 Dr. Stewart C. Turner, President of the Board of Trustees presented an honorary Doctorate Degree which was conferred by Virginia Seminary for Rev. Brown by Alfred C. D. Vaugh. In 1962 he was ordained into the ministry after his ordination as one of the associate ministers of Faith Baptist Church. He served at Faith Baptist church as the associate minister for six years. On March 1st 1967 he was called to serve as the assistant pastor of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church. On December 30th, 1967 he was called to be pastor of Mt Sinai Baptist Church and was installed in 1968. He has worked in every segment of the church even payed attention to the smallest details pertaining to the up keep of the building and the Kingdom of God. He was also a pianist and organist. His leadership at Sinai Baptist Church left a great impact on the members of the church. During his administration period at Mt Sinai Rev. Brown added several new organizations which consist of the Youth Department, Saturday Classes for Sunday School Teachers, Superintendent, the Usher’s Auxiliary he was a negotiator in the decision of painting youth school of theology for the Maryland Baptist position. Rev. William Brown was preceded in death by his three brothers (Thornton, Edward and Norman) and his two sons (Dennis and Lewis Brown). Rev. William Brown leaves behind Four children: William C. Brown, Herbert El. Brown, Burnetta D. Gray, and Anthony O. Brown. Also, Rev. William Brown leaves behind three sisters (Alice, Elizabeth and Daisy) 22 grand-children, 34 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces and a host of friends and relatives.We have shared our tears and our sorrow, We have given encouragement to each other, Given hope for a brighter tomorrow, We share the title of grieving. We have lost some of our sons, Who we watched grow over the years, Some have lost their babies before their lives begun, But no matter the age, we cry the same tears. We understand each other’s pain, The bond we share is very strong, With each other there is no need to explain, The path we walk is hard and long. Our children brought us together, They didn't want us on this journey alone, They knew we needed each other, To survive the pain of them being gone. So take my hand my friend, We may stumble and fall along the way, But we'll get up and try again, Because together we can make it day by day. We can give each other hope, We'll create a place where we belong, Together we will find ways to cope, Because we are Angels and together we are strong!

Tributes

Rev. William Brown

December 23, 1919 - September 17, 2015