Metrotone Baptist Church

In 1864, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Civil War, a beacon of hope emerged in Washington D.C. Metrotone Baptist Church, originally known as Fourth Baptist Church, was founded in a neighborhood then disparagingly called “Hell’s Bottom.” Reverend Henry Bailey and ten other believers, including Wiley Jordan, the grandfather of a long-time member, Mrs. Moncerie Woolfolk, started their worship in an abandoned Civil War barracks. Imagine these formerly enslaved individuals, seeking solace and community in the aftermath of emancipation. Metrotone Baptist Church became a sanctuary. The church’s early location was significant. It stood across the street from Camp Barker, a site that once housed thousands of freed slaves. This proximity underscores the church’s role in supporting this newly freed community. The congregation soon pooled their meager resources and purchased a frame house, transforming it into their first church building. This initial structure, valued at $2,500, represented more than just a building. It symbolized their resilience, faith, and determination to build a new life. In 1870, Reverend Robert Johnson became the church’s pastor. His leadership ushered in a period of transformation for Metrotone Baptist Church. The simple frame building was replaced with a Victorian Gothic structure. The name was officially changed to Metropolitan Baptist Church (Colored) in 1888. Fundraising clubs were established, laying the groundwork for the church’s future financial stability. The church’s history intertwines with the stories of its pastors’ wives. Mrs. Francis “Fannie” Bailey walked alongside her husband in those early days, providing unwavering support. Mrs. Martha Johnson, wife of Reverend Johnson, championed education. Later, Mrs. Fannie Norman, first wife of Dr. Moses W. D. Norman, founded the Metropolitan’s Woman’s Club. These women played vital roles in shaping the church’s identity and ministry. Metrotone Baptist Church has witnessed the city’s evolution, serving as a spiritual anchor for its community through times of change and challenge. Its story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the enduring pursuit of equality and justice.