Our History
A Legacy of Faith Since 1876 - Celebrating 150 Years
Full History
150 Years of Faithful Service
From humble beginnings in 1876 to the magnificent sanctuary we worship in today, The Greater First Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of faith, hope, and service in our community for a century and a half.
Early Foundations
In its early years, the church was both a place of worship and a center for community life. Members gathered to praise God, study His Word, and support one another spiritually and practically.
Growth Through the Years
Through dedicated pastoral and lay leadership, the church has grown through seasons of change while remaining rooted in biblical truth, prayer, and service.
Historical Timeline
The Beginning
In the year of 1876, a few of the emancipated slaves, feeling the need of religious guidance, met in the home of sister Charlotte Hamilton, Sherman Avenue, north of Kenyon Street, Mount Pleasant Plains, and started a song and prayer class.
First Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Plains
They built a frame mission on the corner of Sherman Avenue and Kenyon Street. This mission was given the name of the "First Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Plains" in 1878. Rev. Andrew Green as pastor and founder laid the foundation for what would become a thriving congregation.
Rev. Augustus Watts
Rev. Green served as pastor for four years and passed from labor to his reward in 1882. Rev. Augustus Watts served as pastor for seven years and resigned. Rev. Anderson Richardson served two years before being called to the great beyond.
Expansion & New Property
During Rev. George McGoins' pastorage, two lots on the southeast corner of Lamont Street and Sherman Avenue were purchased. Rev. John Morton of Atchison, Kansas was elected pastor and after a short stay resigned. Rev. Samuel Taylor served as pastor only a few years, and in 1896 left the church financially and numerically weak with a foreclosure mortgage of $500.00 on the property.
Faith & Perseverance
The trustees tried every effort to obtain the money, but it was the sisters of the church who took upon themselves the task to procure the amount to save the church. Through the pleading of sister Betty Barnes, Mr. Cook and his sister loaned the church $5500.00 on September 25, 1896.
Rev. Morton Recalled
Rev. Morton was recalled as pastor. Through many struggles the mortgage of $500.00 was paid off in 1902. By this time the frame building had weakened and a permit to repair or rebuild another building was denied.
Transition Period
Rev. Morton resigned in 1905. The prayers of these saints were answered in April 1910 when the Rev. Daniel Washington of King George, Virginia, was called as pastor. The old frame building was torn down and services were held in a tent on Kenyon Street until the brick church building was completed.
Our Home Since 1876
The brick church building was completed in December 1911. It was a great problem to pay off this mortgage and a struggle for years to pay the interest which was very high. Lord and good leadership in the person of Dr. Washington, in 1918, the sisters of the church sponsored a program which netted $1300.00; the interest was paid and $1000.00 was paid on the principal.
Mortgage Paid in Full
The members then worked untiringly to pay the mortgage. In 1923, First Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Plains was free from all debts and obtained a clear title to their property. Dr. Daniel Washington served for thirty-three years. The church retired him in 1939 and has since gone to receive his glorious reward.
Rev. M. Cecil Mills
In 1940, Rev. M. Cecil Mills was elected as pastor and served six years, continuing the legacy of faithful leadership.
Rev. Edward Thomas, D.D.
Our present pastor, Rev. Edward Thomas, D.D., was installed May 25, 1947. Under the administration of our present minister, Rev. Thomas, we have had many fine experiences and have sustained continuous growth, spiritually, numerically and financially.
Period of Growth
Perhaps up to now we feel that our greatest achievement has been the purchasing of our new home, "The Fourth Presbyterian Church and Parsonage" at Thirteenth and Fairmount Streets, Northwest at the cost of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000.00).
The Greater First Baptist Church
Under the present administration our church has been reincorporated under a new name, "The Greater First Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Plains." The entire church is overjoyed as a result of this achievement and we have pledged ourselves anew with enthusiasm to God, our Church and our Minister.
Jubilee Centennial Celebration
This year 1978, as our minister, Rev. Edward Thomas, serves his thirty-first year, the entire membership is very happy to engage in the Jubilee Centennial Celebration and Mortgage burning of our church.
Licensed Ministers
Our church has licensed ten ministers throughout its history:
Vibrant Church Ministries
We have a Senior Choir, Gospel Chorus, Junior Choir, Volunteer Choir and Youth for Christ, a Men's Chorus, Sunday School, a spirited Training Union, an efficent Senior Usher Board, a determined Missionary Circle, an Emergency Club, a stout-hearted Pastor's Aid Club, a willing Alpha and Omega Club, a capable Nurses' Unit, an impressive Flower Club, an ever-growing Circle of New Members, and a budding Junior Usher Board.
Dr. Winston C. Ridley, Jr.
Entering the 21st century, following an election on January 27, 2001, Dr. Winston C. Ridley preached his first sermon as Pastor-Elect on March 4, 2001, and was installed as Pastor on Sunday, May 20, 2001. His leadership marked another season of vision, stability, and service as the church continued its witness in a changing city.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Z. Queen
In January 2026, the church entered a new chapter with the election of Rev. Dr. Jonathan Z. Queen as Pastor. He was installed on March 28, 2026, ushering in a season grounded in unity, love, and shared purpose—honoring the legacy of those who came before while embracing God's call for the future.
A Living Testimony
From 1876 to today, The Greater First Baptist Church of Washington, DC stands as a living testimony—a people shaped by prayer, strengthened by perseverance, and sustained by the faithfulness of God.
Our Journey in Images
Our Home Since 1876
The brick church building completed in December 1911 on the corner of Lamont Street and Sherman Avenue.
Our New Home
The Fourth Presbyterian Church building at Thirteenth and Fairmount Streets, Northwest - purchased for $400,000 and renamed The Greater First Baptist Church.
Legacy Statement
"Our prayer is that, this the Greater First Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant Plains, will stand as a bulwark of faith in years to come as it has stood the years past; a living monument of our Saviour who died that all men might live."
From our 1978 Centennial History
Be Part of Our Continuing Story
Join us as we continue the legacy of faith, service, and community that began in 1876