Our History

From our beginnings in a Quaker Civil War barracks in 1864 to our modern church facility in 2008, Metropolitan Baptist Church stands as a beacon of hope and faith within the Nation’s Capital. Our odyssey of faith began with ten persons, committed to the truth of the Gospel and determined to live for Christ. Under daunting and frightening circumstances, our forebears began in a small prayer meeting a movement that has produced a great harvest – a congregation that exceeds 6,000, a church facility that is valued in excess of $5 million, and a ministry that touches every segment of our community. While predominately African American, our church is marked by numerous cultures and ethnic diversity.

In its over one hundred and forty-three year history the church has been given five visionary shepherds who have in their own special ways preached the gospel and nurtured the body of Christ. Our ministry is marked by powerful preaching, an aggressive and expansive program of biblical teaching and discipleship development, an infrastructure of over sixty ministries, as well as one of the finest music ministries in America today. Metropolitan’s diversity of program includes ministries to children and youth, men, women, singles, numerous support groups, as well as ministries designed for Seasoned Senior Saints. No one is left out; everybody is somebody!

As the church has expanded, it has created avenues for social betterment beyond the traditional work of the faith community. Metropolitan has one of the largest church-based Federal Credit Unions in the District of Columbia. Metropolitan/Delta Adult Literacy Program is designed to assist adults and families to become independent through reading and GED programs. The Metropolitan Community Development Corporation is now actively engaged in the maintenance of two office buildings that serve as small business incubators in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The Garments Hem, Inc., is the church’s effort to make a difference through therapeutic Christian counseling services both in the District of Columbia and in Maryland.

The Metropolitan Day School is a Christian and Afro-Centric pre- and elementary school opportunity for our children. Through the school we are “nurturing children and changing lives.”

The Legend continues as the church makes preparations to relocate its primary worship facility to 37 acres purchased for that purpose in Largo, Maryland. While the church will move physically, it will remain a viable and integral part of the Washington, D.C., community, as we are determined to leave a visible and meaningful ministry here where our roots are so deeply placed.

Metropolitan is not a perfect church; it is a praying Church. We are praying that God will use us as instruments to bring His Kingdom upon the earth. Come to Metropolitan. Be a part of our family. Come to Metropolitan and be blessed.

“We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” I Thessalonians 1:3 NIV