Alonzo Freeman Kilgore was born on November 29, 1941, in Badin, North Carolina. He was the second of three children born to Harold and Tommie Kilgore. In 1942, the family moved to Baltimore, Maryland.
Alonzo received his early education in Baltimore County public schools and later earned a degree in education from the University of Maryland. In 1966, he began teaching in the Baltimore City public school system.
In 1971, Alonzo had a vision of a bright light and a voice urging him to help someone. Though he didn’t understand it at the time, he shared it with his wife, believing it was a sign of a future calling.
By late 1976, his wife Annette noticed a transformation in his lifestyle. He began distancing himself from social habits like gambling and drinking, and by early 1977, he was attending church and reading scripture.
On March 10, 1977, during a televised Billy Graham revival, Alonzo accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. His wife recalls:
“It happened on a Thursday, the 10th day of March 1977, at about 10:45 p.m. Alonzo was watching one of Billy Graham’s revival services on TV. The sermon topic was ‘Is Your Name Written in the Lamb’s Book of Life?’ After listening, Alonzo realized he needed to receive Jesus Christ to be saved. When the call was made, Sporty — as he was called — jumped up, went to the TV, and with outstretched arms accepted the Lord into his heart. I immediately received the witness in my heart that God had saved my husband and filled him with the Holy Spirit. From that night to this day, Alonzo Kilgore has been a changed man.”
On March 14, 1977, he joined the church his family attended. By July, he was called into ministry, understanding that his earlier vision was a divine calling to preach the Gospel.
In February 1980, Elder Kilgore left his 14-year teaching career to fully dedicate himself to ministry.
Elder Kilgore has proven to be a true servant of God. As Romans 10:15 says, “And how shall they preach except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.”
We thank God for blessing us with a Pastor who, alongside his wife, is devoted to serving others and spreading the Word of God.