Seven souls, steadfast in their faith, embarked on a journey. They traveled from Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Southwest Washington, D.C. Their purpose was to establish a sanctuary, a beacon of hope. This sanctuary would become the Ship of Zion Baptist Church. It was formally established on September 12, 1864. The church was authorized by a council of twelve churches in the District of Columbia. These seven founders—Reverend George Jackson, Isaac Johnson, John Shippen, Susan Thompson, Ann Walker, Reverend William Walker, and Lettia Williams Richardson—along with nine other newly baptized members, named their church “Ship of Zion.” The name symbolized their arduous journey and unwavering faith. Their first church building, acquired in 1867, was a repurposed Simpson’s Feed Store. Affectionately known as the Southwest Church, it served the congregation until 1956. The Ship of Zion Baptist Church then temporarily held services at the Phyllis Wheatley YWCA. Their current beautiful edifice in Northwest D.C. was erected in 1962. Continuing its legacy of growth and inclusion, Ship of Zion Baptist Church merged with New Creation Church in 2020. Today, it thrives in three locations: the Main Campus, the North Campus, and the Virtual Campus. Over the years, nine pastors have guided the Ship of Zion Baptist Church: Reverend William Walker, Reverend William Gibbons, Reverend William J. Howard, Reverend William Washington, Reverend Dr. John M. Ellison, Reverend Dr. A. Joseph Edwards, Reverend Carlton W. Veazey, Reverend Dr. Emil M. Thomas, and currently, Reverend Dr. Keith William Byrd Sr. Ship of Zion Baptist Church remains dedicated to its core values. These values are discipleship and evangelism through Christian education, community engagement, outreach, education from nursery school to post-graduate studies, missions, social justice, and Baptist convention involvement. From its humble beginnings, the Ship of Zion Baptist Church has navigated the changing tides of time, always holding steadfast to its mission of faith and service.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to