Capital Brazilian Temple Celebrates New Building

The Capital Brazilian Temple church held an inaugural service for its new building on Nov. 12. 

The new location is in Highland, Md., only a few miles from the facility the congregation previously rented. The new 16-acre property comprises five buildings, including a church, barn, stables and two houses. Members hope the new land and facilities will provide expanded ministry opportunities, especially for growing children and youth programs.

Erton Kohler, secretary of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, served as the day’s guest speaker and exhorted members to use the new building for mission. While stating his prayer that the new building would only be used for a short time, Kohler challenged members to hasten the Lord’s return and reminded them that people are more important than walls.

The day was marked by celebration and thanksgiving as members recounted how God had led the congregation over its 23-year history. Several former pastors of the church recorded video greetings and offered congratulations. A mass choir shared musical selections and led the congregation in corporate worship. 

One major highlight of the service was witnessing the first baptism in the new building. During an appeal from the baptistry, several youths responded to an invitation to begin taking Bible studies.

Marco De Faria Filho, pastor of Capital Brazilian Temple, says finding a permanent property for the congregation has been a “great journey” and credits God for leading them to this new location. De Faria Filho says he’s excited that the church’s activities will no longer be limited by their rental agreement and looks forward to the church being “a place where people want to be.”