“Our mission is to embody and empower revolutionary discipleship.” That’s the motto of Riverside Presbyterian Church. Today, we will delve into the story of this church. It stands as a beacon of faith and community in Southwest D.C.
Riverside Presbyterian Church began as Island Baptist Church in 1857. A young Virginian named Chastain Clarke Meador led it. He became the first pastor of 24 charter members. The church was first located on D Street. It was between 4 1/2 and 6th Streets S.W. Its first home was a wooden structure moved from another church site.
During the Civil War, the church faced financial difficulties. Rev. Meador opened a hardware store to earn money. His Confederate sympathies caused division. Some members wanted him to resign. But the majority refused. The church survived and experienced a revival in 1866. Over 150 people professed conversion. 124 joined the church by baptism. The membership grew too large for the building. A new brick structure was built in 1869. The church was renamed Fifth Baptist.
Joseph James Darlington was a young lawyer and church member. He sued a railroad that disrupted the community. He fought the case in multiple courts. He even took it to the U.S. Supreme Court and won. The money from the judgment funded relocation. The church moved to 6 1/2 and E Streets. A new church was dedicated in 1902.
Fifth Baptist continued to grow under several pastors. At one time, it had the second largest Sunday school in the city. The membership reached 605 in 1957. The Redevelopment Land Agency bought the old site on the 100th anniversary. A new building was constructed at 7th Street and Maine Avenue. The congregation worshipped in Hogate’s Restaurant during construction. The name changed to Riverside Baptist because of the location. Only a few members made the transition. They survived the urban redevelopment of the early 1960s.
Rev. Frank Foster became the new minister in 1971. He called members to open the doors to everyone. Many new members came. A bi-racial congregation worshipped together. Frank and Sara Foster died in a plane crash in 1972. The members continued the ministry.
The deacons divided the church responsibilities. Congressman John H. Buchanan served as interim minister. Rev. Robert Troutman arrived in 1973. He led the church for fourteen years. He also led other Southwest ministers. They formed M.U.S.C.L.E. This organization provided low-cost housing. The church became a member of the Progressive Baptist Convention. Youth ministry was emphasized. Programs like “Our Place” and children’s choirs were created. Events showcased members’ talents. Troutman’s sermons connected scripture to contemporary issues. Members participated in Sunday school classes and evening forums.
Associate Minister David Jordan started a tutoring program. Riverside members helped the needy. Rev. Troutman encouraged participation in events. Several trips to Russia resulted in participation in the Baptist Peace Fellowship.
Dr. William Smith became pastor in 1988. He encouraged an expanding tutoring program. He also started a mid-week Bible Study. Dr. Michael Bledsoe became pastor in 1992. Riverside disassociated from the Southern Baptist Convention. It reaffirmed its relationship with other Baptist conventions. The church welcomed all people including the LGBTQ+ community. Pastor Bledsoe expanded the church’s outreach. He established an early Sunday service. He also served as a professor at Howard University.
Outreach to youth included a Friday Film Night. Women organized mission projects. A pre-school opened in the church basement. A partner minister promoted ecological issues. These ministries extended Riverside’s mission.
Pastor Bledsoe celebrated 25 years in 2017. A new church building was built on the same corner. Rev. Nick Mumejian served as interim pastor from 2019-2022.
In 2022, Rev. Mia Michelle McClain became the Senior Pastor. She is the first African American and first woman in the role. Riverside Baptist Church continues to evolve. It moves forward with God’s grace. It embodies revolutionary discipleship. It transforms the conditions of our living together.