Founded in 1862 Georgetown Baptist Church stands before you a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t just a building it was a beacon of hope for formerly enslaved people. Reverend Sandy Alexander a former slave himself arrived in 1856. He found only two Baptists. Undeterred he built a thriving congregation.
Early services were held in private homes on 27th and P Streets and 27th and N Streets. Then at Collins Williams’ home. Williams a preacher from Virginia generously donated land at 29th and O Streets. A small frame church nicknamed “The Ark” was erected. It quickly proved too small.
A committee of brothers Henry Lucas William Wormley and William T Brown selected the current site. This wasn’t easy. They raised money the hard way. Men dug foundations at night. Women prepared hot suppers fueling their efforts. The initial $600 raised was insufficient. The foundation cost $800 leaving the church incomplete.
Reverend Alexander’s determination shone. He travelled north raising another $300 securing a loan for the same amount. The cornerstone was finally laid in 1882. A humorous incident occurred during the first loan payment. The receipt was mistakenly made out to the First African Baptist Church. Trustee William T Brown refused it insisting on the correct name. He wouldn’t let his church be robbed of its rightful title. The original receipt was destroyed a new one issued.
Reverend Alexander served for 37 years. He guided the church out of debt. He even received his full salary for seven years after a streetcar accident ended his pastoral duties in 1889. Two large church clubs thrived during his tenure the Sisters and Brothers and Friends of Benevolence and the Union Moonlight Club. These clubs involved almost all members fostering a strong sense of community.
The church faced challenges. Pastors came and went. A disagreement over a youth group led to the formation of Alexander Memorial Baptist Church. Another pastor’s leadership style resulted in temporary membership losses. But Georgetown Baptist Church persevered. Through renovations modernizations debt repayment and a new baptism pool the church remains a vital presence in Georgetown. Its history is one of faith perseverance and a strong community spirit.