Here at South Vermont Avenue Baptist Church history whispers from every corner. Seven freedmen gathered in 1866. They sought to form a church. They received certification from the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church. These former slaves formed the Fifth Baptist Church of Washington DC.
The church called Reverend John Henry Brooks as their pastor. He was a former Union army wagon driver. Over the years, the Fifth Baptist Church grew. It changed in many ways. Its name changed to Vermont Avenue Baptist Church.
Despite growth and change, some things remained. Through God’s grace, the church remained spirit-led. It focused on God’s will. It committed to lifting the name of Jesus.
Let’s talk about a few of the pastors who shaped South Vermont Avenue Baptist Church. Reverend John Henry Brooks shepherded the flock from its start until his death. Under him, the main sanctuary was built.
Then came Reverend George Wellington Lee. God sent him to be the second pastor. He guided the church. He lent his stature to the church’s growing position. During his time, the bell tower was built. It had a tall steeple. A railroad bell was placed there. He renamed the Church to the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in 1897.
Reverend James Edward Willis followed. He was affectionately called “Little David”. He was an extraordinary preacher. He kept the church’s spirit on fire. During his pastorate, the back of the main sanctuary was built. It included the choir loft and pulpit.
Reverend Chasteen Theophilus Murray then led. He steered the congregation toward growth. This happened during troubling times. He reorganized the church. He formed clubs and auxiliaries. The C. T. Murry Extension Center was erected. It enlarged classroom space and added a cafeteria.
Next came Reverend John Rayford Wheeler. He led the nation’s Baptist Churches in giving to Foreign Missions. The church gifted a church to a Baptist congregation in South Africa. The John R. Wheeler Family Life Center was constructed. It included a bowling alley and an exercise room.
In 2007, Reverend Cornelius Rayford Wheeler became pastor. He maintained the original look of the historic sanctuary. He added new air control systems and a sound system. He also upgraded restrooms and Sunday School classrooms.
Reverend Dr. Isaac Alexander Fox served as Interim Pastor. Under his leadership, the church grew financially. He served for 21 months.
South Vermont Avenue Baptist Church maintains its dedication to missions. This includes both national and international efforts. The church continues to stand on its history. It reaches for the future in Jesus’ name. The Black Church Archives Project works to preserve the church’s records. The goal is to digitize invaluable assets. This ensures the church’s legacy lives on.