How about a story that starts in 1801? That’s when Baptists first gathered in the U.S. Treasury Building in Washington D.C. I will tell you more about the Southern Baptist Church. It began as First Baptist Church.
In March 1802, six laypeople and four ministers founded First Baptist Church. They met in a private home. From that humble start, the church has worshipped in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Over the years, the congregation has called five buildings home. These buildings were on four different sites in the District of Columbia. One notable location was what is now Ford’s Theater. President Lincoln was assassinated there.
The Southern Baptist Church moved to its current location in 1890. It is at 16th and O Streets NW. The first worship service in the present sanctuary happened on Christmas Day 1955.
Let’s rewind to the early 1800s. Luther Rice was a member of First Baptist. He used it as his home base while traveling nationally. He organized mission support among Baptists. Rice and Obadiah Brown, the first pastor, led Baptists in founding Columbian College. It is now George Washington University.
Since 1845, First Baptist has connected major national Baptist bodies. It partners with several groups. These include the Alliance of Baptists and the Baptist World Alliance. They also include the District of Columbia Baptist Convention.
First Baptist Church has a rich history. In 1801, six Baptists met in the Treasury Building. Rev. Lewis Richards of Baltimore led the preaching service. By 1802, the church was founded by six members. They met in a private home. Later, they built a meeting house at 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 at 814 E Street NW. He used it as his family home and a boarding house.
In 1830, African-American members began meeting separately. They used a rented school room. They joined the larger congregation for worship on Communion Sundays. By 1834, a new church building was constructed. It was at 10th and E Streets NW. Many African-American members chose to stay at the 19th and I Street location.
In 1838, 32 African-American members asked to separate from First Baptist. Thirty members opposed this. Ultimately, First Baptist allowed the separation. But they kept ownership of the 19th Street property until 1875.
In 1839, Nineteenth Street Church became the First Colored Baptist Church. It was the first Black Baptist Church in Washington D.C. By 1859, First Baptist Church moved again. This time it was to 13th Street between G and H Streets. They merged with Fourth Baptist. The Government used it as a temporary hospital for a year.
In 1861, the 10th Street building was sold to John Ford. He converted it into Ford’s Theater. A fire destroyed the building in 1862. It was reconstructed in 1863.
In 1890, First Baptist Church moved to 16th and O Streets NW. It was one mile north of the White House. The building was demolished in 1953. Services were held at the Jewish Community Center during construction.
In 1955, First Baptist Church occupied its present sanctuary. It was built on the site of the former building. The first services were held on Christmas Day 1955.
The Southern Baptist Church has been at the heart of Washington D.C. for over two centuries. It started small but has grown to be a vital part of the community. Its history is intertwined with the history of the city and the nation.