Goodwill Baptist Church

“A beacon of hope,” a passerby once murmured, “that’s what Goodwill Baptist Church is.” Goodwill Baptist Church has stood as a testament to faith and perseverance in Washington D.C. since 1893. It was then that Reverend John H. Reffels laid the foundation for this spiritual haven. The church’s early history saw the steadfast leadership of Reverend Lois Johnson, who guided the congregation from 1913 to 1938. Deacons like Joe Manuel, Scott Maxwell, and Jimmy Franklin, among others, supported the church’s growth during this era. The church thrived under a succession of devoted pastors, including Reverend Harry Donahue, Reverend Willie Dixon, and Reverend E.G. Dickey. Reverend Joe Nicholas Sr., Reverend Nathan Walker, Reverend Harry Tartt, Reverend W.T. Guice, Reverend Otis Fleeton, and Reverend S.M. Robinson also served the church. It was during Reverend Otis Fleeton’s pastorate that Michael Bowser, Thomas Boyd Sr., Wayne Harris, and Robert Stewart were ordained as Deacons. A period of remarkable transformation began in 1983 with the arrival of Reverend Harry L. Toussaint. Under his leadership, Goodwill Baptist Church underwent significant physical expansion. New classrooms were built. A cafeteria and fellowship hall were added. The entrance was extended. A new choir stand and balcony enhanced the worship space. The exterior of the church was updated with brickwork. This physical growth mirrored the spiritual growth within the congregation. Numerous individuals found solace and salvation within the church’s walls, drawing closer to Christ. Goodwill Baptist Church also licensed several Associate Ministers under Reverend Toussaint’s guidance. These included Robert Price, Larry Holmes, Wallace Powell, Harry Scott, Harold Bowser, Valli Battle, Denise Boyd, and Lorraine Price. Patrick Walker Sr. and Ramon Walker Sr. were ordained as Deacons, strengthening the church’s leadership. In 2007, Goodwill Baptist Church witnessed the ordination of two new deacons, Lish Holloway and Jarriet White. This period saw the revitalization of the Youth Ministry, with the introduction of Children’s Church and Youth Bible Study classes. The Vernelia McCathen Scholarship Ministry, generously supported by the McCathen family, further enriched the church community. In 2012, Goodwill Baptist Church celebrated a historic moment with the ordination of Ministers Valli Battle, Lorraine Price, and Christine Simpson. This marked the first ordination of female ministers in the church’s history. The church’s commitment to community service extends beyond its walls. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Church Disaster Relief Committee was formed. This committee played a vital role in meeting the immediate needs of both the congregation and the surrounding community. A Meals On Wheels program was established, providing hot meals to elderly individuals displaced by the hurricane. This program has continued to serve the community, offering a weekly hot meal to those in need. Goodwill Baptist Church has stood as a beacon of hope and resilience, a testament to its unwavering faith and commitment to serving God and the community.