Third Baptist Church is a historic church at 1546 5th Street and Q Street NW in the Shaw neighbourhood of north-western Washington, DC.
Third Baptist Church, one of Washington, D.C.’s oldest African American churches, has stood at the corner of Fifth and Q Streets since 1893. Designed by the city’s first black architect, Calvin T.S. Brent, the church is known for its red-brick façade, high tower, and beautiful stained-glass windows. Despite its historical significance, the church faced potential demolition until an unexpected collaboration preserved its legacy.
Curtis Smith, the administrator and deacon ministry chairman of Third Baptist, has a deep personal connection to the church, having grown up across the street and spent his childhood within its walls. However, over the years, attendance dwindled, and the church’s maintenance costs became unsustainable. By 2015, the surrounding neighborhood had gentrified, and Third Baptist’s aging structure led church leaders to consider relocating to a more manageable building.
Washington, D.C. has seen a third of its churches and houses of worship disappear since 2008, often replaced by profitable real estate developments. The prospect of selling Third Baptist’s property to developers who would likely demolish it was a bitter pill for the congregation to swallow. However, Sacred Spaces Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving church buildings by matching them with congregations in need, offered a lifeline.
Evan Sparks, a board member of Sacred Spaces, highlighted the dilemma faced by many churches in D.C. Selling to real estate developers often means the end of the historic buildings. In contrast, matching them with other congregations helps maintain their presence and purpose. Sacred Spaces introduced Third Baptist to Church of the Advent, an Anglican congregation in search of a permanent home.
Church of the Advent, led by Rector Thomas Hinson, began its journey in 2007 in a living room and had rented various spaces since then. The congregation found Third Baptist’s central location and majestic architecture ideal, evoking a strong connection with the divine. Smith and Hinson quickly formed a bond, with Smith calling Advent a “godsend.”
The two congregations bypassed the complexities of dealing with lawyers and real estate agents, choosing instead to communicate directly. This personal approach fostered a friendship and mutual respect, culminating in Advent purchasing Third Baptist’s building for $3.9 million. The sale allowed Third Baptist’s congregation to relocate to Forest Heights, Maryland, where they would have a new building and 7.2 acres of property to serve their community.
The sale was finalized in January, marked by a prayerful meeting between the leaders of both churches. This agreement ensured that Third Baptist’s historic building would continue to serve a congregation, preserving its purpose and heritage. Church of the Advent plans to move in next year after renovations, while Third Baptist begins a new chapter in a location closer to many of its members.
Hinson expressed his intention to honor Third Baptist’s legacy with a memorial in the fellowship hall. For Smith, the decision to sell was tough, but knowing the building would continue to be used for worship made it easier. “We were actually blessed to have them come in to buy our place,” Smith said, confident that the building’s original purpose would be preserved.
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This article was adapted from an original piece on wng.com
