“Another shepherd has been appointed”. Does that sound familiar? It is a quote about Providence Baptist Church. I want to tell you the story of this house of worship. Providence Baptist Church stands as a beacon of faith in Washington. It is located at 526 15th ST SE.
Let’s step back in time. Providence Baptist Church’s story officially began in 1921. Rev. G.W. Mack was the first Pastor. The church was first organized in a storefront. This was on the corner of Edgewood and Euclid Avenues. Later it moved to 173 Bluff Street. In 1928, Rev. Aaron Engram became Pastor. He came from New Castle, Pennsylvania. He served until 1931. Rev. John W. Wheeler was called to Pastor on August 31, 1931. Catherine Davis was the first member to join under his leadership.
In 1942, a devastating fire struck the church. The Haven of Rest Rescue Mission offered refuge. Rev. Charles Thomas was Pastor of the Haven of Rest Rescue Mission. The congregation stayed there for fourteen months. In April 1943, they purchased a building at 772 (774) Raymond Street. On January 26, 1975, the church moved again. This time to 458 Madison Avenue. The members dedicated the church to God. They burned the mortgage on August 27, 1978.
Pastor Wheeler served faithfully for 49 years. He retired in 1980. He passed away on November 4, 1986, after 106 years of life.
Rev. W. Clifford Seay was elected Pastor on August 21, 1981. He served for a short time. Rev. Jeffrey Dennis then became Pastor on August 24, 1983. He served for two years.
Providence Baptist Church elected Rev. Samuel D. Searcy on July 25, 1986. Under his leadership, the Sunbeam Choir and male chorus were revived. The John W. Wheeler Scholarship Fund was formed. Seventy-five percent of the sanctuary was renovated. Pastor Searcy remained until November 1992.
Through trials, the Providence Baptist Church family never lost hope. They continued to trust in the Lord. After Rev. Searcy’s departure, visiting ministers led the congregation.
On January 14, 1994, Rev. Richard Brown, Sr. was elected. Under his leadership, the church purchased additional properties. Air conditioning was installed. The kitchen and baptismal pool were renovated. New office equipment and musical instruments were purchased. The roof and walls were fortified. A church van was purchased. The pews were renovated. New glass doors were installed. A Lunch Program was started during the summer. He remained until December 2001.
Rev. Calvin J. Dinkins was appointed Pastor in October 2002. He remained until September 2004. Rev. Glenn Brown served as Interim Pastor from June 2006 until June 2007.
On August 12, 2007, Rev. Vincent E. Peterson became the ninth Pastor.
Providence Baptist Church is one of approximately 657 churches in Washington. There are 49 Catholic churches, 212 Baptist churches, 19 Pentecostal churches, 31 Methodist churches, and 346 other denomination churches. The Baptist denomination is the largest free church denomination in the world. It has over forty-three million members. Nearly thirty-three million Baptists live in America. Baptist churches trace back to John Smyth and the Separatist Movement in 1608 in England. Baptist churches believe in adult baptism. Each congregation governs itself autonomously.
From its humble beginnings in a storefront to its present location, Providence Baptist Church has been a pillar. Its history is filled with faith. Its story is one of resilience and devotion. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of community and the unwavering belief in the divine.