The historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church in Northwest will install the Rev. Kevin Lamár Peterman as its new senior pastor, the church announced Thursday.
Peterman’s selection follows a nationwide search conducted by the church’s board of deacons.
“We are beyond pleased that our search pointed us in the direction to find Reverend Peterman,” said Shawn Davis-Wilensky, chair of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church’s board of deacons. “The Nineteenth Street Baptist Church congregation is confident that he can not only share the gospel in a way that makes you emotional on a Sunday morning, but also changes your behavior during the week.”
Davis-Wilensky said Peterman’s selection continues the congregation’s recognition of the Black church’s pivotal role in the fight for social justice.
“He is the under-shepherd we prayed for,” Davis-Wilensky said.
The installation will be celebrated through a series of events beginning Saturday and continuing through Nov. 16. All events are open to Washington-area residents.
Schedule of events
- Saturday: The celebration begins with an afternoon of family-friendly activities hosted by the church’s Youth and Young Adult Ministries in partnership with Nineteenth Street’s Christian Mite Society, Bread for the City and the Durant Family Charitable Foundation. The “Day of Service” focuses on community engagement, collecting coat donations to support families in need during winter and providing a fall festival.
- Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m.: The Rev. Howard-John Wesley, senior pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, will lead the revival service.
- Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.: A sold-out audience at the Legacy Gala at the Howard Theatre will hear the internationally acclaimed Howard Gospel Choir and jazz musician Marcus Johnson, a son of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church known for his blend of jazz and R&B.
- Saturday, Nov. 15, 11 a.m.: The Rev. Lawrence E. Aker III, lead pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, will officiate the pastoral installation service.
- Sunday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m.: The celebration concludes with the Rev. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.
All ministerial services will take place at Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, 4606 16th St. NW.
More information is available at https://19thStreetBC.org/Pastoral-Installation/.