History of Our Church

The New St. Paul Baptist Church was organized as a Baptist Mission in 1923, and located on M street S.W in Washington, D.C. under the leadership of rev. King David Hall. The New St. Paul Mission, had split from the Delaware Ave. Baptist Church, which was located at 1105 Delaware Ave. S.W. Six months after the division, Pastor Hall resigned, and Rev. Augustus P. Cook was called as interim Pastor for one year. Rev. Cook was a dedicated leader who worked long and hard to successfully change the Mission Church into a Baptist Church. This great task was accomplished on March 3, 1926. Dr. W.H. Jeragin, Dr. C.B. Carroll, and Sr. S.M. Moss assisted Rev. Cook in this effort. It was then that Rev. A.P. Cook was elected Pastor of Second New St. Paul Baptist Church. On August 20, 1929, The Baptist Ministers Conference organized the church. Officers were elected, and necessary items for the church were purchased. The official staff consisted of Deacon Chester Holloway, Chairman. Deacon Henry Young, Luke Holloway and William Gaither. Brother(s) Mark Jackson, Clarence Butler, and Hamilton Johnson. Sister(s) Jannie Davis, Sarah Spencer, Viola Duckett Benson, Lizzie Stewart, Lillian cash, Esther Miller, Bessie Green, Queen Adams, Fannie Botts and Mabel Young. Reverend(s) Jordan L. Taylor, Nannie L. Dilliard, and Amanda Pickett. The members worshipped on M Street until 1932. During the depression, the church was at its lowest membership with just six members remaining. Burdened with limited membership, the need for a new location was…

In 1957, the church relocated to its present location, 2400 Franklin St. N.E. and was renamed Second New St. Paul Baptist Church only because there was already a New St. Paul located within the city. Second New St Paul was purchased for the sum of $65,000.00. Truly the Lord has blessed the efforts of the Mission Church since 1923. Due to illness, Pastor Cook resigned in July 1957, having dutifully served for 34 years, thus ending the great career of a great servant of God. Working and supporting the church with the same enthusiasm, as Pastor Cook, was the First Lady, Sister Hazel Cook. After Pastor Cook’s resignation, a special meeting was held, presided over by Pastor William Weaver of the New Mt. Olive Baptist Church. It was unanimously voted to call Rev. Edgar L. Williams, Sr. of Elizabeth City North Carolina as the next pastor.

In 1961, the first stage of construction began with raising of the old church (leaving the entrance intact). Prince hall Grand Lodge, Grand master Curtis Blakely, officiated laying the cornerstone on March 12, 1961. By October 1961, membership had grown to 545 members. Many necessities were added in the next three years, including a kitchenette, choir loft, pews, baptismal robes, water coolers, carpeting, a Hammond Organ, a sound system, and new furniture, at an expense of $55,000.00. To pay for all of these new improvements and construction, a lot of cooking and selling took place. We were growing in so many ways-spiritually, financially, and numerically. There were many dedicated Christian men and women working fervently to accomplish these goals and with God’s help they were reached. To Him we give glory and the praise. He had blessed second New St. Paul with seven Associate Ministers, a Board of Deacons: (Chester Holloway, Chairman, Charlie Rogers, James Benson, Nathaniel Williams, Robert Holloman, James Bethune, James bell, Robert Miller, Press Harper, Roosevelt Agnew, Lemuel Benson, Melto Harper, James Owens, and Noble Williams), a Trustee board, (Charlie Rogers, Charles Hudgins, Archield Twyman, James Lindsay, Charles Stephens, George Hill, Warren Grant, John Young, and Brother Eldridge), a Deaconess Board, a Nurses Unit, three melodious choirs; (Church Choir, Chorale Choir, Youth Choir), two choruses ( Male Chorus and the Paulette’s). Four Usher Boards; (Senior, Young Adult, Junior, and Male). A Youth Organization of the Dept. of Christian education, Sunday School Department. Six clubs; (Flower, Volunteer Workers,…

In November 1977 most of the old church was raised for construction of a larger and more modern facility at a cost of $500,000.00 On December 17, 1978 this beautiful, unique edifice with a fabulous Pastor’s study, ladies lounge, choir robes room, a new Conn organ, cushioned pews, and pulpit furniture was dedicated to the glory of God. The third cornerstone for the church was laid on May 19, 1979.

Second New St Paul purchased the corner lot at 26th and Franklin Street N.E. The church parsonage was built on this site. On September 26, 1981, this beautiful home was dedicated and open house was held. The first family moved into this spacious home after residing in the Green Valley Apartments for several years. The first parsonage at 2811 Mills Ave was raised after the Green Valley apartments were built.

On October 3, 1982 former Mayor Marion Barry proclaimed this day as Dr. Edgar L. Williams, Sr. Day in recognition of this great leader and builder for the numerous he had done for the old and the young, the community, the Saved and Unsaved. The third day of October from herein will be recognized as our Pastor’s day.

In June 1983, a loan in the amount of $175,000.00 was obtained to enclose the open court, now the Crystal Room, which is an extension of the Robinowitz Auditorium and a room on the second level, currently our Youth Church was made available. In addition to providing care and training to more than 150 children in day Care, a Youth Worship Service is held simultaneously with the adult services on Sunday’s. Dedication of the Youth Church was held on December 4, 1983, and in December 1989, the mortgage for the Youth Church was burned.

In 1991, Second New St Paul purchased two lots in the 2400 block of Franklin Street to provide additional parking for its members. Additionally, a room was built to store supplies. The room was dedicated and named the James E. Coleman Supply Room.

Second new St Paul hosted its first Women’s Retreat at the Fairview Marriott in Falls Church, Va. on September 16 and 17 1994. More than 100 women from the metropolitan area were in attendance.

In 1996, a clothing ministry was formed and Chaired by Deaconess Arnita Branch-Parham. Once a month, clothing and accessories are donated to the needy. The ministry has grown leaps and bounds and is now providing food and other essentials.

In April 1999, the church was able to add new carpeting and tile to the main sanctuary. In July the church purchased a new neon double sided bulletin board for the church yard. Also in July 1999, a 25 passenger bus was purchased and in November 19999, the Bus Ministry was formed. Pastor Williams appointed Tr. Deaconess Susan Stewart as chairperson. We were blessed to have three dependable commercial licensed drivers and two maintenance men in our church as part of the ministry to ensure the safe transport of our members and Day Care children.

Pastor Williams is diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. With radical therapy he is given two years. He called an impromptu prayer meeting of church members on an early summer afternoon. He explained to us what was going on in his life, and urged us to pray for him, his family, and each other. He returned to the pulpit in September. In July 2002, the church decided to celebrate Pastor Williams’ 82nd birthday in the backyard of his home. It was estimated that approximately 400 members, family, neighbors, and friends were in attendance. They all came out to wish our pastor well on his very special day. He received many gifts and lots of love. The music was outstanding, Bro. Clarence Walker treated us to the very best of his collection. Pastor even led a few songs. He was at his best! This 82nd birthday celebration was said to be the best and will long be remembered.

In March 2005, the Lord blessed us again! Pastor Arie L. Mangrum, Jr. was appointed our Interim Pastor. He came to us with a rich history of Praising God, teaching His Word, and leading people to salvation. His wit and dedication to the Lord has been well received by all. He and his wife, Sis. Katie Mangrum instantly became a part of our family, displaying God’s loyalty and plan for men and women of Christ. Pastor Mangrum led us for twenty months until a new pastor was selected. In April 2005, Deacon James Cooper replaced Deacon James Walker becoming the Acting Chairman of The Deacon Board.