First Baptist Church of Annandale

“A church born in a treasury?” you might ask. Indeed, the story of the First Baptist Church of Annandale begins not in Annandale, but in the heart of Washington D.C., at the U.S. Treasury Building in 1801. A small group of Baptists gathered there, laying the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of the city’s religious landscape. The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C., was officially founded the following year in 1802. Its first meetings were held in a private home, reflecting the humble beginnings of many great institutions. The church’s early history is intertwined with the growth of the nation’s capital. From its initial gathering at the Treasury Building, the First Baptist Church moved to several locations. One of these was a site on 10th Street, which later became the infamous Ford’s Theater. The congregation finally settled at its current location at 16th and O Streets NW in 1890. The present sanctuary, where we stand today, was completed on Christmas Day, 1955. The church’s journey mirrors the growth and transformation of Washington D.C. itself. One of the First Baptist Church’s early pastors, Obadiah Bruen Brown, played a significant role in the city’s development. He served as the first president of the Board of Trustees of Columbian College, which later became George Washington University. Brown’s leadership extended beyond the church walls, influencing the educational and cultural fabric of the city. The First Baptist Church has a rich and complex history regarding its African American members. While both enslaved and free Black individuals were members, they faced segregation within the church, highlighting the pervasive racism of the time. The church’s records document the names of enslaved individuals and their owners, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who sought spiritual solace within its walls. Eventually, the racial tensions led to the formation of a separate Black Baptist church in 1839. The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C. has witnessed the evolution of the city and the nation. From its humble beginnings in a private home to its present-day location, it has served as a spiritual anchor for generations. As you stand here, consider the stories of those who came before, their struggles, their triumphs, and their unwavering faith.