Founded in 1968 by Reverend H Ellis Turner Promised Land Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community. It all began in December 1967. Reverend Turner had recently resigned from Carron Baptist Church. He felt called to evangelism. A small group including Deacon George Malone and Sister Julia Dixon supported him. Sister Dixon generously offered her lodge hall. This became the church’s first meeting place.
The congregation quickly outgrew the lodge hall. By September 1968 they moved to a new home. They secured another property on Farragut Street Northwest. The church thrived. A gospel chorus and youth and senior choirs were formed. Growth continued. They needed a larger sanctuary. The church found its present location at 401 Van Buren Street Northwest.
The church faced challenges. Reverend Turner passed away in 1982. After a two-year search Reverend Walter E Bryant became pastor in 1984. He had a vision for growth both physically and spiritually. New ministries blossomed. A men’s fellowship a couples ministry and a prison ministry were established. A Bible institute replaced the Wednesday evening Bible study. A church newsletter The Promised Land Post debuted in 1993. The church expanded in 1994 adding a choir loft a baptismal pool and classrooms.
Reverend Bryant served until 2000. Several ministers led the church until Reverend Thomas J Horne became pastor in 2002. He organized an evangelistic ministry and a women’s ministry. He also served as the director of several choirs. Reverend Leanna Williams joined in 2003 starting an intercessory prayer ministry.
Reverend Horne served until 2008. Reverend Ayize Sabater served as interim pastor. He revised the church constitution and bylaws in 2010. He focused on community outreach visiting the sick and comforting the bereaved.
Reverend Peter J Spann became pastor in 2011. He emphasized community outreach and established new ministries. After his departure in 2014 Reverend Kevin A O’Bryant was installed as pastor in 2016. He has overseen upgrades to the church building and implemented online giving. The church continues to adapt and serve its community. It stands as a beacon of faith and hope in the heart of Washington DC.