First National Baptist Church

In 1801, a small group of Baptists gathered in the U.S. Treasury Building. This humble meeting marked the beginning of the First National Baptist Church in Washington D.C. Just a year later, in 1802, the church was officially founded. This makes First National Baptist Church one of the oldest churches in the city. The church has witnessed the growth of Washington from a small village to the bustling capital it is today. First National Baptist Church’s first permanent home was at 19th and I Streets, NW. They worshipped there from 1802 to 1834. Their first full-time pastor, Reverend Obadiah Bruen Brown, was appointed in 1807. Brown was an interesting figure. He held a position in the U.S. Post Office and even served as chaplain for both the House and the Senate. Interestingly, Brown was involved in the founding of Columbian College, which later became George Washington University. The church has called several different locations home. One of these former sites, the building at 10th and E Streets NW, later became the infamous Ford’s Theater. In 1890, the congregation moved to 16th and O Streets, NW, where it remains to this day. The present sanctuary, however, wasn’t completed until Christmas Day, 1955. Throughout its history, the First National Baptist Church has been deeply intertwined with the history of the city and the nation. The church played a significant role in supporting the early Baptist missionary movement in the 1800s. Member Luther Rice used the church as a base for his national travels, raising support for missions. The church also has a complex history related to race and segregation. The church’s records document the membership of both enslaved and free Black individuals during the antebellum period. The church eventually split, leading to the formation of the First Colored Baptist Church of Washington D.C. in 1839. This new church provided a place of worship where African Americans could hold leadership roles and worship freely. First National Baptist Church continues to be a vital part of the Washington D.C. community. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the rich history of the Baptist community in the nation’s capital.