From its humble beginnings. Progress for Christ Baptist Church stands tall. A beacon of faith in Washington DC.
This wasn’t always the case. The building’s story begins much earlier. It was designed by Calvin Brent. He’s considered Washington’s first Black architect. He crafted this beautiful Gothic Revival structure for Mount Jezreel Baptist Church in 1884. A congregation of freed slaves. They purchased the land for $900 in 1882. The completed church was valued at $20000 a considerable sum.
Mount Jezreel thrived. However it outgrew the building. By the 1980s the congregation needed more space. They moved to Riggs Park then to Silver Spring Maryland.
Progress for Christ Baptist Church then stepped in. In 1984 they took over the building. They continued the legacy of worship and community. For many years the church served as a cornerstone for the neighborhood. Providing a safe haven. A space for spiritual growth. It was more than just a church. It was a community center.
Interestingly the church recently changed hands again. In 2021 the Church of the Resurrection purchased it. They raised $1.83 million for the acquisition. Now they’re carrying the torch. Continuing the long and rich history of this remarkable building. A building that has witnessed generations of faith. A building that stands as a testament to resilience and community spirit. A space that has served many congregations. A testament to the enduring power of faith in Washington DC. A true landmark. Progress for Christ Baptist Church. Its history is one of growth adaptation and the unyielding spirit of faith.