Emerging out of a prayer meeting of 12 people in 1937, the First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights was established. The Church was physically located at 4900 Astor Place, S.E. Reverend Campbell served as Pastor for one year and Reverend Williams served for just a short length of time thereafter. By the Grace of God, the call for a Pastor was answered by the late Reverend William Tyler. Under pastoral leadership of Dr. Tyler, a Deacon Board, Trustee Board, Church School, Baptist Training Union, and three church-wide committees were created. Thirty-seven auxiliaries and clubs were also organized. Evangelistic work was done in Washington, D.C.,Connecticut, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. The Church enjoyed membership in the Potomac River Baptist Association, District Baptist Convention, and the National Baptist Convention. During Dr. Tyler’s tenure as Pastor, First Baptist built its current edifice in 1964. We thank God for Dr.’s Tyler’s vision in liquidating the church’s mortgage in 1975 through “Operation Payoff.” Moreover, seven Ministers were licensed by Dr. Tyler, five of which were called to serve as Pastors. Dr. Tyler served as our Under shepherd for 38 years until he was called home to Glory in September 1977. Under the leadership of former Dr. Lehman D. Bates, membership increased, and the Hour of
Power service was restructured. Additionally, he organized a Senior Citizen Group (now called the Silver Threads), Youth Vibration, Almah, Christ choir, Celestial Choir, Pastor’s choir, Boy and Girl Scout Troops for children ages 5-17 years were instituted. Dr. Bates licensed eleven men of God to preach the gospel and eight were installed as Pastors. Dr. Bates originated the Pastor’s Fellowship Guild with neighboring churches. First Baptist relished membership in the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), American Baptist Churches of the South (ABCOTS), and supported the United Negro College Fund. Foreign missions were supported directly and through the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention. The Church enhanced its local
evangelistic work by adopting the J.C. Nalle Elementary School, providing backpacks, school supplies, bus transportation for school trips, and winter clothing for needy students. Dr. Bates was installed as Pastor in 1979 and served until 2012. On February 17, 2015, Reverend Dr. Andre’ D. Ivy was selected by vote as the fifth Pastor of First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights. Dr. Ivy was installed as Pastor on September 6, 2015. Under Dr. Ivy’s leadership as Pastor, attendance for Prayer Meetings and Bible Study increased significantly. He initiated a Seeds of Hope Fund to help pay for much needed building renovations. He initiated a Pastor’s Aide Ministry, a Mass Choir, a Youth Silent Praise Team Ministry, a Vocal Praise Team Ministry, and a Men’s Ministry. He consolidated and renamed five choirs (Angelic, Vocal, & Senior Choirs as the United Voices; and the Celestial & Christ Choirs as the Glory Singers). He opened the possibilities for more women to lead Ministries (4 as Trustees in Training; 2 as Budget & Finance in Training & 1 as Minister in Training). Also, a
beautification mission was created. The Church developed partnerships with Capitol Caring Hospice Agency, Medstar Health System, Howard University School of Social Work and Howard University School of Divinity. During COVID, the Church was able to continue services and communions on YouTube and the church’s Website; Prayer Service via telephone; Scripture Study Class, Church School and Church Conference were given via Zoom. Church members were kept informed of events via emails and letters. Dr. Ivy communicated in person with
members by having drive-byes to First Baptist on selected Saturdays to chat, pick up a communion packet and maybe a lunch box. While serving as Pastor, Dr. Ivy was elected President of the Baptist Convention of DC and Vicinity (BCDCV), and continues to serve in that office. The First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights was blessed under Dr. Ivy’s guidance, and the neighborhood benefited. Dr. Ivy served as Pastor until November 19, 2024.