History

Peace Baptist Church was established in October 1911 in Washington, DC. In its humble beginnings, the church was housed in a single room store front that was remodeled by its founding members. As time passed, the church began to grow. The room was filled to capacity and when there was no more standing room, oftentimes, the worshipers stood outside. It was then that the congregation knew that they had outgrown their 13 and H Street location and began to search for a new location.

Eventually, a house (and its land) on the corner of 18th and Gales Place was identified as the new site for the church. The house was torn down and a new single story structure was built in its place. In December 1949, the Peace Baptist Church congregation was marched from their original location on 13 and H Street, NE to its new location at 18th and Gales Place, NE.

As Peace continued to grow, it once again realized that its sanctuary was not sufficient for its membership. The Peace Baptist Church once again decided to build, but in the same location with the sanctuary upstairs. The construction phase donned the phrase “to reach the land in the sky” as an indication that they were building and moving upward. The church was rebuilt and in December 1959, the “land in the sky” became a reality.

Change was needed again by 1981 due to the phenomenal increase in membership and the heartfelt desire to provide more opportunities for spiritual growth. Peace Baptist Church decided to expand its building to meet the needs of its congregation and the community by implementing Christian Education, Outreach Ministry and Youth Department activities in addition to its worship services and Bible Study.

Enduring faith has led to the continued growth of Peace Baptist Church. Our commitment to building stronger families and community has led to many activities that facilitate our growth: free clothing fairs, seminars, and concerts. In the last decade, the Breath of Life Substance Abuse, Shekinah (HIV/AIDS), Daughters of Peace and Joshua Praise Dancers ministries have been established. Peace values peace and prosperity of spirit, soul, sense and substance for all of God’s people. These values have propelled the church to provide services and activities of enrichment and empowerment to our members and surrounding community. The measure of unfailing faith is exemplified by victory in progress.

God has blessed Peace Baptist Church with a long, rich history of proclaiming the Gospel and meeting the needs of its members and the surrounding community. Over the years, the Peace family has been inspired not to become complacent, but to continue to push to greater heights as God leads. It is with this commitment to be obedient to God that Peace has prospered and continues to grow.