“Standing on the promises of God.”

Born out of a prayer meeting of 12 believers, the First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights was established in 1937 at 4900 Astor Place, S.E., Washington, D.C.

Founded during a time of segregation, economic struggle, and limited opportunity, this Black congregation built more than a church.  It built a sanctuary for the spirit and a center for the community.

Reverend Campbell served as the first Pastor for one year.  Reverend Williams succeeded briefly thereafter.

In a time when Black communities were shut out of power and resources, this church rose as a place where voices could be heard, prayers could be shared, and hope could grow.

A Legacy of Vision, Expansion, and Faithful Stewardship.  The call for a Pastor was answered by Reverend William Tyler, who would shepherd the church for 38 years.  Building the Foundation:
Organized Deacon and Trustee Boards, Church School, and Baptist Training Union.
Established three church-wide committees and 37 auxiliaries and clubs that nurtured fellowship and community care.

Evangelistic Growth: Outreach expanded beyond D.C. into Connecticut, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York.

Community and Faith Networks: Joined the Potomac River Baptist Association, District Baptist Convention, and National Baptist Convention.

Milestones of Progress:
In 1964, the church constructed its new edifice during the same year as the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The moment symbolized the church’s enduring role in Black advancement and freedom.

In 1975, the congregation launched and completed Operation Payoff, fully liquidating the church’s mortgage. This milestone represented more than financial freedom. It marked economic empowerment and community ownership at a time when Black families across the nation faced systemic barriers to property and credit.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
Economic Liberation: During the 1970s, amid national inflation and economic hardship, this achievement demonstrated Black economic resilience and unity in action.
Faith in Action: Members sacrificed and contributed collectively, living out the belief that faith without works is dead.
Unity of Purpose: Operation Payoff unified the congregation around a shared mission of financial independence and stewardship for generations to come.
Symbol of Victory: It proclaimed that the church owned what it built, a sacred space free from the constraints of external debt or discrimination.

Operation Payoff was not simply about paying a mortgage. It was a declaration of Black self-reliance, pride, and perseverance, a testament to what faith-filled people can achieve when they stand together.

Ministerial Leadership: Licensed seven ministers, five of whom went on to pastor churches of their own.

Legacy: Under Dr. Tyler’s guidance, First Baptist became a model of Black excellence in faith leadership, providing both spiritual guidance and social strength through eras of segregation, civil unrest, and cultural change.

Transition: Dr. Tyler was called home to glory in September 1977, leaving behind a church deeply rooted in service and love.

Dr. Bates was installed as Pastor in 1979, bringing renewed energy and expansion. Membership flourished, and Hour of Power services were revitalized.  
Dr. Bates created Silver Threads (Senior Ministry), Youth Vibration, Almah Choir, Christ Choir, Celestial Choir, and Pastor’s Choir.
Organized Boy and Girl Scout Troops for children ages 5 to 17.  He
licensed 11 ministers, eight of whom were later installed as pastors.

Formed the Pastor’s Fellowship Guild with neighboring churches to strengthen regional unity.

Affiliations included the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), American Baptist Churches of the South (ABCOTS), United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention.
 

First Baptist joined the moral front lines of the Civil Rights Movement, standing as both a place of worship and a base for social transformation.

Community Empowerment and Education.  The church adopted J.C. Nalle Elementary School, providing backpacks, and winter coats to students in need. 
These acts reflected the Black church’s enduring mission of lifting as we climb, nurturing the next generation through education, service, and compassion.  Dr. Bates led faithfully until 2012.

 After being elected  Pastor on February 17, 2015, Pastor Ivy revitalized Prayer Meetings and Bible Study, Created the Seeds of Hope Fund to restore and renovate church facilities and the Pastor’s Aide Ministry.

Pastor Ivy broadened opportunities for women in leadership, mentoring Trustees in Training, Finance leaders in Training, and Ministers in Training.  He also l
aunched the Beautification Mission to honor God through the church’s presentation and care.

He built partnerships with Capitol Caring Hospice, MedStar Health, Howard University School of Social Work, and Howard Divinity School. These relationships reinforced the Black church’s historic role as both healer and helper.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2022), Pastor Ivy transitioned worship to YouTube, website streaming, and Zoom, maintaining fellowship despite isolation. 
He organized drive-by communion and fellowship days where members could pray, receive communion, and share a meal, embodying the spirit of community through crisis.
 He also continued outreach through emails, phone prayer lines, and virtual Church School.
Amid global uncertainty, First Baptist carried forward a legacy of adaptation and faith in the storm, echoing how the Black church has always met adversity with grace and innovation.

Dr. Ivy was elected President of the Baptist Convention of D.C. and Vicinity (BCDCV), extending First Baptist’s influence across the region.  Dr. Ivy served faithfully until November 19, 2024. 

From a small prayer meeting in 1937 to a thriving congregation more than 85 years later, First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights embodies the living legacy of the Black church, a place where faith meets freedom, where service uplifts generations, and where hope is not just preached but practiced.  Through segregation and civil rights, through economic struggle and renewal, through pandemics and progress, First Baptist has stood as a spiritual anchor and moral compass, reminding all who enter, 
“We’ve come this far by faith, and by faith, we’ll continue.” -