Did you know that Clifton Park Baptist Church started as a dream? A dream nurtured within the hearts of Calvary Baptist Church members in our nation’s capital. In 1949 a committee boldly decided to establish a mission church. After prayer and extensive searching they purchased almost two acres in Clifton Park. The location a significant intersection of Old Bladensburg Road now University Boulevard and Piney Branch Road. The purchase price a substantial $42000 for the land and a large white colonial house. This house served as the church’s humble beginning a “Chapel on the Hill”.
Clifton Park Baptist Church opened its doors on December 3 1950. Sixty-one people attended the opening service. Dr William J Crowder the interim pastor presided. Reverend William J Millar became the church’s first full-time pastor in October 1951. Under his leadership and the dedication of its members the church flourished.
A building program commenced in 1952 culminating in the dedication of a new sanctuary and church offices in 1953. Four classrooms and a boiler room were added below. The congregation officially became a church with 193 charter members. Christian education fellowship and missions were emphasized. The Women’s Missionary Society and Men’s Brotherhood fostered community and service.
Phase two of the building program started in 1960. This expansion included a magnificent steeple. A choir loft and balcony were also added. Administrative offices fourteen classrooms two large social halls a kitchen and finally a much-desired baptistry were constructed. The church completed this ambitious project in 1961.
Reverend Robert K Kanagy became pastor in 1971. Clifton Park Baptist Church became home to the V I P Voluntary Interfaith Program School. Volunteers from various churches taught English to speakers of other languages. Students could also pursue their GEDs.
Reverend Gary K Javens took the pastorate in 1974. The church experienced renewed spiritual and numerical growth. A Diaconate Ministry and weekly evangelistic visitations were established. The church generously opened its doors to Korean Hispanic and Vietnamese congregations. The growing congregation necessitated a second Sunday service. A capital funds program led to another expansion completed in 1990. About 600 people attended the dedication service.
Pastor Javens retired in 2005. Reverend Paul A Clark served as interim pastor facilitating the transition to Reverend Essentino A Lewis Jr who became the fourth pastor in 2008. Under Pastor Lewis’s leadership Clifton Park Baptist Church has continued its vital work. It remains a strong community partner focusing on worship discipleship fellowship and outreach extending its benefits to those in need around it fulfilling the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Today Clifton Park Baptist Church stands as a testament to faith perseverance and unwavering community spirit. A true beacon of hope in the heart of Washington D C.