How about a church that traces its roots back to a meeting in the U.S. Treasury Building? That’s the story of the First Baptist Church of the City of Washington D.C. We are standing before a building rich with history. It is a story that begins in 1801.
The First Baptist Church was officially founded in March 1802. Six laypeople and four ministers established it. They first met in a private home. Later that year, they built a meeting house. It stood at the corner of 19th and I Streets NW.
In 1807, Reverend Obadiah Bruen Brown became the first full-time pastor. He served the church until his retirement in 1850. Brown was a significant figure. He even built a large house at 814 E Street NW. It served as his family home and a boarding house.
First Baptist’s story includes multiple locations. The congregation has worshiped in five buildings. These buildings were on four different sites in D.C. One of these buildings became Ford’s Theatre. It is where President Lincoln was assassinated.
In 1834, a new church building was constructed. It was located on 10th and E Streets NW. Interestingly, many African-American members chose to stay. They remained at the 19th and I Street location.
By 1838, thirty-two African-American members requested separation. They wanted to form their own church. Other African-American members opposed this separation. Eventually, the church allowed the separation. However, First Baptist retained ownership of the 19th Street property until 1875.
The Nineteenth Street Church became the First Colored Baptist Church in 1839. It was the first Black Baptist Church in Washington D.C.
First Baptist Church moved again in 1859. It relocated to a new building on 13th Street. This was between G and H Streets.
Finally, in 1890, First Baptist Church moved to its current location. It is located at 16th and O Streets NW. The first worship service in the present sanctuary occurred on Christmas Day 1955.
First Baptist has always been connected to broader Baptist organizations. It partners with several groups. These include the Alliance of Baptists and the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A.
The church also has connections to education. In the early 1800s, Luther Rice used First Baptist as a home base. He organized mission support among Baptists. Rice and Obadiah Brown founded Columbian College. This college is now George Washington University.
So, as you stand here today, remember the long and complex history of the First Baptist Church. It is a story of faith, community and change. It reflects the history of Washington D.C. and the nation itself.