Nearly two centuries ago, before slavery in America ended, a faithful group of believers planted a spiritual seed that would grow into one of Washington, D.C.’s pillars of faith.
The journey has been rocky, but despite the challenges, the members of Second Baptist Church of Washington, D.C., marked its 177th anniversary on Nov. 16, celebrating a journey defined by prayer, perseverance, and an unshakable commitment to serving God and community.
A gathering of friends, supporters and community leaders celebrated the theme “Lift Every Voice in Love,” with members, some who have worshipped at Second Baptist Church for 50 years or more. While the list was not long, the commitment of those acknowledged and who spoke has been lasting.
“I am now going to read the names of the members who have been with us 50 years or more,” announced Trustee Vernelle Hamit, “but I will say this, I have been a member ever since my father came and joined Second Baptist Church in 1932. He brought six children with him, three of them already married. And so, I just want you to know I am the oldest active member of Second Baptist Church at this time.”
In addition to the sermon delivered by the Rev. Pamela Smith, chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, Claressa Campbell, one of the congregation’s oldest members, shared the history of the church now led by the Rev. Dr. James E. Terrell.
“Second Baptist Church was one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in Washington,” noted Campbell, 96. “It was started 14 years before the slaves in the District of Columbia were freed. It was one of the few colored churches in Washington that had a colored minister prior to President Lincoln’s inauguration in 1848.”
Campbell reflected on the minutes of a council of existing churches held on October 24, 1848, approving the establishment of Second Baptist, which held its first service on the evening of November 12, 1848.
“Licentiate Henry H. Butler was the acting pastor and brother Adam Sampson gave the right hand of fellowship to eight new members,” said Campbell as she read the church’s history. “Reverend Adam Clayton, of Baltimore, Maryland, preached from verses seven and eight of the Psalm 122.”
Fourteen pastors have presided over Second Baptist, which relocated to several places across the city before finding a permanent location in the 800 block of Third Street, N.W. Once a station on the Underground Railroad, the church has since been designated a historical site and added to the National Heritage Trail.
Despite its protection under the local and national registries, the historic Gothic and Romanesque-style building has been displaced over the past decade due to the rapid development in the area known as Mount Vernon. Once visible from all sides, it is now dwarfed by high-rise apartments and condominiums.
It also stands near the new entrance to the Third Street Tunnel, where construction damaged the church’s foundation, floor, and beams, making it unsafe to worship. Once again, the congregation was displaced, but returned in 2013 thanks to the generous support of friends and neighbors, including the neighborhood pizza parlor, who found parking, security service, and office space provided by nearby Mount Carmel Baptist Church.
“Second Baptist Church of Washington, D.C. is both a historically significant institution and community landmark for our community, as well as a strategic partner to our organization,” said Kenyatta A. Robinson, president and CEO of the Mount Vernon Triangle Community.
Local Leaders Celebrate Second Baptist Church
As part of the Nov. 16 celebration, Robinson read a letter of congratulations from the Mount Vernon Triangle Community board of directors, staff, clean team, and stakeholders, emphasizing the church’s contributions to the community overall.
“Our relationship with Second Baptist Church is one that we value greatly, and we personally appreciate it working with you, Dr. Terrell,” Robinson said. “We have every confidence that under your leadership of both the Second Baptist ministry and its community-facing mission, our partnership will only continue to strengthen over time.”
Smith, an ordained Baptist minister, shared personal anecdotes and scriptures, encouraging the congregation to see trials as opportunities for blessings in disguise.
“Despite what you’re going through, trust God,” she said. “Believe in God.”
“I wasn’t always where I am today, but I had to trust God to get me to where I am right now,” Smith, a Pine Bluff, Arkansas native continued, “and despite what we go through, if you are obedient to Him, he will see you through.”
The police chief encouraged obedience to God and faithfulness, assuring the congregation that God will reward their faithfulness and provide deliverance.
Former D.C. Superior Court Associate Judge Mary Terrell looked on as her husband, thanked his family, members of the congregation and the community for their support, especially during his recent illness that has him confined to a wheelchair.
He said he was inspired and committed to continuing the legacy of Second Baptist Church, and serving the church and the community with diligence and love beyond tithes and offerings.
“We’ve got to make sure that we keep that prayer wheel turning. Keep on praying, keep on looking to God and he will make a way,” said Terrell. “And finally, I have to thank this church because really, you folks have been encouraging, you have blessed me in so many ways.”