“Upon this Rock I Will Build My Church.” These powerful words inspired the name of First Rock Baptist Church. Reverend Joseph W. King had a vision. He saw rocks in front of a church.
First Rock Baptist Church started with humble beginnings. Reverend King went door-to-door. He witnessed to people on Alabama Avenue and E Street. This happened in May 1957. A meeting followed in Brother and Sister Edward Daniels’ home.
At that meeting, key roles were assigned. Brother Howard led the Sunday School. Sister Lula Manor became Treasurer. Sister Hattie S. Daniels served as Secretary. The first service took place on May 5, 1957. Brother Coachman joined as the first member.
The church divided its membership into three tribes. These were Judah, Reuben, and Benjamin. In 1958, Sister Frona Howard became Church Treasurer. She was also the first usher. On March 23, 1958, the church officially organized. Reverend Andrew Fowler from Capital View Baptist Church officiated.
Six members became chartered members. These included Sisters Gwendolyn Keith and Hattie S. Daniels. Also Sisters Cordia Hollis and Frances Kennedy. Masters Joseph W. King, Jr. and Jerome Keith were members too. Reverend King was voted pastor. The name First Rock Baptist Church remained. Sister Hattie S. Daniels became the first Church Clerk.
Trustees were appointed in August 1958. These were Sisters Lillian Payne, Frona D. Howard and Verline Berry. Deacon Joseph Boyce and Reverend King were also trustees. First Rock Baptist Church gained recognition in June 1959. Reverend Augustus Lewis moderated the Recognition Council.
The church ordained its first deacons in November 1959. Brothers Albert Burgess and Joseph Boyce were ordained. Four deaconesses were set apart. These were Sisters Emma McCleod, Edith Burgess, Annie Alston and Beatrice Boyce. Reverend Andrew Fowler officiated.
Reverend David L. Howard was licensed to preach in March 1960. Deacon Albert Burgess became Chairman of the Deacon Board. In September 1959, Reverend King’s vision advanced. The church bought land on “G” Street, S.E. for a new building.
The Ground Breaking service happened in March 1962. In March 1963, the church marched to its new sanctuary. This was at 4322 Chaplin Street, S.E. Reverend King wanted a larger building. It would serve the Benning Heights community.
On January 8, 1980, the church marched again. This time to 4630 Alabama Avenue, S.E. The mortgage was paid off on May 1, 1988. In February 1994, Minister Richard C. Corbin, Sr. became Assistant Pastor.
Reverend Joseph W. King, Sr. passed away in February 1995. He had fulfilled his purpose. He preached the Gospel. He organized and built. He served God faithfully. In April 1995, Minister Corbin became Interim Pastor.
The church elected Minister Corbin as its second Pastor in September 1995. His wife, Sister Antoinette Corbin, became First Lady. Sister Pearl H. King was recognized as the “Founding First Lady”. In April 1999, Minister Anthony L. Minter became Assistant Pastor.
Pastor Corbin retired in January 2004 due to illness. He was named “Pastor Emeritus”. Anthony L. Minter became “Interim Pastor”. On October 23, 2004, Anthony L. Minter was installed as Pastor. His wife Wanda J. Minter became First Lady.
The First Rock Baptist Church Foundation opened the Joseph W. King Seniors’ Center in May 2006. This honored Reverend King. First Rock Baptist Church stands as a beacon. It welcomes all. May it continue in the name of Jesus Christ.