Journey back to 1801. First Baptist Church began in the U.S. Treasury Building. Imagine those early days in Washington D.C. It was just a small village.
First Baptist Church has a rich history. It started with six laypeople and four ministers. They established the church in a private home in March 1802. From that humble start, it grew.
The church has worshiped in five buildings. These buildings were on four different sites. One of those sites is now Ford’s Theater. President Lincoln was assassinated there.
In 1890, the congregation moved. Its new location was at 16th and O Streets, NW. The first worship service in the current sanctuary happened on Christmas Day in 1955.
Luther Rice was a key figure. He used First Baptist as his base. He traveled nationally to organize mission support among Baptists. With Pastor Obadiah Brown’s support, Rice helped found Columbian College. It is now George Washington University.
First Baptist has always been a link. It connects major national Baptist bodies. The church partners with several groups. These include the Alliance of Baptists and American Baptist Churches.
Let’s look at the timeline. In 1801, six Baptists met in the Treasury Building. Rev. Lewis Richards led the preaching service.
In 1802, First Baptist Church was founded. They first met in a private home. Later, they built a meeting house. It was at the corner of 19th and I Streets, NW.
Rev. Obadiah Bruen Brown became the first full-time pastor in 1807. He served until his retirement in 1850.
In 1821, Brown built a large house. It was at 814 E Street, NW. He used it as his family home and a boarding house.
A group of African-American members began meeting separately in 1830. They rented a school room. They joined the larger congregation for worship on Communion Sundays.
In 1834, the church built a new building. It was at 10th and E Streets NW. Many African-American members stayed at the 19th and I Street location.
Thirty-two African-American members asked to separate from First Baptist in 1838. The members of First Baptist voted to allow the separation.
The Nineteenth Street Church became the First Colored Baptist Church in 1839. It was the first Black Baptist Church in Washington D.C.
First Baptist Church moved again in 1859. The new location was on 13th Street. The Government used it as a temporary hospital.
In 1861, the 10th Street building was sold to John Ford. It became Ford’s Theater.
First Baptist Church relocated to 16th and O Streets NW in 1890. During construction of a new building, services were held at the Jewish Community Center.
Finally, in 1955, First Baptist Church occupied its present sanctuary. It stands on the site of the former building.
Think about the journey of First Baptist Church. From its humble beginnings to its current location. It continues to worship and serve. It stands in the heart of the nation’s capital.