Rockville in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Father Divine Birthplace
Middle Lane
— Rockville's African American Heritage Walking Tour —
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, June 14, 2011
1. Father Divine Birthplace Marker
Father Divine was an influential and charismatic religious leader and founder of the International Peace Mission Movement.
Father Divine was born in 1879 on Middle Lane as George Baker, Jr. and attended the Rockville and Jerusalem M.E. Church. He later relocated to New York, calling himself Reverend Major Jealous Divine or Father Divine. He believed he was God manifest and preached in churches, houses and on street corners. While Father Divine’s religious views were radical, his efforts at supporting the needy and challenging racial barriers were successful. He was an early proponent of racial equality, pushing for anti-discrimination legislation in Congress in the 1940s.
The Peace Mission Movement is still in existence and strives to help people in need. They operated a number of model farms and hotels throughout the country, some of which still exist. The Peace Mission’s headquarters are at the Woodmont Estate (see photo above) in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania.
Erected by City of Rockville Historic District Commission, Dept. of Community Planning and Development Services. (Marker Number 16.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion
this page online
Location. 39° 5.11′ N, 77° 9.14′ W. Marker is in Rockville, Maryland, in Montgomery County. Marker is on Middle Lane east of N. Washington Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 E Middle Lane, Rockville MD 20850, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rockville Town Square (a few steps from this marker); Rockville Business District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Rockville Town Square (about 400 feet away); Galilean Temple (about 400 feet away); Hebron House and Print Shop (about 400 feet away); Red Brick Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Gibbs v. Broome, et al. / 1931 Courthouse (about 500 feet away); Jerusalem - Mt. Pleasant Church and Parsonage (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockville.
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, March 19, 2017
2. Father Divine Birthplace Marker
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, June 14, 2011
3. Father Divine Birthplace Marker - visible below the blue light
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 762 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 17, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 2. submitted on March 21, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 3. submitted on June 17, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
