“What would it be like to build a church with your bare hands?” Imagine the dedication and grit it took to create a sacred space like First Baptist Church of Georgetown.
First Baptist Church of Georgetown has stood as a beacon of faith and community since 1862. Its story is one of resilience, unity, and unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel.
The seeds of First Baptist Church of Georgetown were sown by Preacher Collins Williams and his wife Betsey. They began holding religious meetings in private homes in Georgetown. Their efforts to create a dedicated place of worship soon led to the donation of land at 29th and O Streets, NW. This is where they built a small church called “The Ark.”
Reverend Sandy Alexander, a former slave, played a pivotal role in the church’s early development. He moved to Georgetown in 1856 and gathered a large congregation. Many of his followers came from the Shiloh Church of Fredericksburg, VA.
As the congregation grew, the need for a larger space became apparent. A committee including Brothers Henry Lucas, William Wormley, and William T. Brown selected the current site at 27th and Dumbarton Streets. In 1882, they laid the cornerstone for the new First Baptist Church of Georgetown.
The construction of First Baptist Church of Georgetown was a true community effort. The men of the church dug the foundations at night, while the women prepared hot meals for them.
An interesting anecdote highlights the importance of recognizing the church’s identity. When the trustees made their first payment, the receipt was mistakenly sent to the First African Baptist Church. William T. Brown insisted on a corrected receipt to ensure First Baptist Church of Georgetown received its due honor.
Reverend Alexander served as pastor for 37 years. Under his leadership, two large church clubs thrived. These were the Sisters and Brothers, Friends of Benevolence, and the Union Moonlight Club. These clubs played a vital role in supporting the church and its members.
After Reverend Alexander’s death in 1902, Reverend James Hill stepped in as pastor. First Baptist Church continued to be a prominent Black Church in the Washington, D.C. area. The Washington Post Magazine recognized it as such in December 1986.
The church underwent modernization in 1986. The sanctuary and lower auditorium were renovated. Central air conditioning was installed. Reverend Abrams retired in 1988 and was named Pastor Emeritus.
Reverend C.J. Malloy, Jr., became the 10th pastor. During his tenure, the church expanded. They purchased the attached building, naming it the Abrams Annex. The church established an Investment Committee, a Handbell Choir, and a Dance Ministry. They also participated in the SHARE Food Bank program. Reverend Malloy retired on December 31, 2001.
Today, First Baptist Church of Georgetown continues to thrive. Pastor Robert K. Pines extends a warm welcome to all. The church remains dedicated to making disciples for Christ. It ministers to the local community and beyond. Through missions and various ministries, First Baptist Church of Georgetown impacts lives in schools, colleges, assisted living facilities, and homeless shelters. The church partners with organizations to aid those in disaster-stricken areas. Its mission is to spread the gospel and love of God locally and worldwide. First Baptist Church of Georgetown invites all to join in worship and experience the gift of salvation.