Bladensburg Church Honors Dr. Charles O. Thorpe Jr. for 55 Years of Faithful Service

The Bladensburg Seventh-day Adventist Church in Bladensburg, Maryland, honored Dr. Charles Othniel Thorpe Jr. on August 15, 2026, celebrating 55 years of faithful service and recognizing a legacy marked by stewardship, leadership, and commitment to God and His church.

During the special 11:30 a.m. worship service, Dr. Thorpe received words of affirmation and appreciation from local church leadership as well as leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. Among those offering recognition were Lawrance E. Martin, Vice President for Finance of the Allegheny East Conference, and Dr. Marcellus Robinson, President of the Columbia Union Conference. Robinson has a special connection to the congregation, having previously served as pastor of the Bladensburg church.

Dr. Thorpe's journey in financial ministry began in early 1973 when, at just 21 years old, he was a college student at Howard University and a member of the new-believers class at First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Washington, D.C. He was recruited by lead Bible worker Edwina Williams to serve as treasurer for the group as it canvassed the far northeast area of the city. Meeting in a storefront on Sheriff Road, N.E., the group would eventually develop into what became the Northeast Seventh-day Adventist Church.

That early opportunity established a pattern of service that would continue for more than five decades. Dr. Thorpe went on to serve as treasurer of the Bladensburg church from that time until his recent retirement from the position. Throughout the years, he credited the support and assistance of individuals including Katie Perry, Doris Harris, and the late Anita Harris, who helped him along the way.

His commitment to financial stewardship was complemented by an accomplished academic and professional career. Dr. Thorpe earned a doctorate in Economics from Howard University in 1978 at the age of 26. He later taught mathematical economics at Howard University and George Mason University and has continued to support his alma mater as vice president of the Howard University Economics Department Alumni Association. As a founding member of the organization, he has helped create opportunities for economics students through scholarships, mentorship, and career development.

Dr. Thorpe also recently retired from the Federal Government following more than 42 years of public service, including 32 years with the Federal Aviation Administration. During his career with the FAA, he served in a variety of leadership and economic roles, including Director, Senior Economist, Group Manager, and Policy Analyst.

His influence at Bladensburg has extended beyond the church's financial ministry. An avid tennis player and longtime participant in the Metro Area Adventist Basketball Association, Dr. Thorpe has been involved with MAABA since 1975. At Bladensburg, affectionately known as "the Blades," he has played, coached, and facilitated teams that competed in and won various basketball championships.

Behind his many professional, ministry, and community accomplishments has been the steady support of his wife, Marilyn, who has walked alongside him throughout his journey. Together, they have two sons, Jason and Sheldon, and a growing family that includes grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As the Bladensburg congregation celebrated Dr. Thorpe, the occasion was more than a recognition of years served—it was a celebration of a life characterized by faithful stewardship and service. His 55-year tenure as treasurer represents an extraordinary chapter in the history of the Bladensburg church and a legacy that has touched generations of members.

Reflecting the foundation of his life's work, Dr. Thorpe holds to a simple philosophy: he is "catering to an audience of One, Jesus Christ," with everyone else being the by-products of his efforts.

For the Bladensburg Seventh-day Adventist Church, August 15 was an opportunity to say thank you to a servant whose dedication has helped strengthen the congregation for more than half a century.