Rev. William A.
Randolph
Founder - 1941
Rev. Robert J.
Anderson
2nd Pastor - Year 1977
Rev. Eddie E. Butler
3rd - Pastor - Year 1979
Rev. Roy D. Thomas
4th Pastor - Year 2007
The Nazareth Baptist Church was founded and organized by Dr. William A. Randolph on March 13, 1941. The first service was held at the YMCA on 12th Street, N.E., Washington, DC. After holding services there for approximately one year, a brick house located at 1816 5th Street, N.W. was acquired and completely remodeled. The congregation moved to that location on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1942, and the Recognition Council was called to set the Nazareth Baptist Church apart as a regular Independent Baptist Church. In October of 1953, the mortgage was burned on the 5th Street church and the congregation began planning for another church home. On June 13, 1956, a dwelling located at 3935 7th Street, N.W. was purchased and the mortgage was burned on that dwelling in July of 1964.
Rev. Randolph pastored the Nazareth Baptist Church for 34 years and the church membership grew under his leadership. During his tenure, the church purchased two buildings, burnt two mortgages, constructed a new church on the 7th Street, developed church policies and procedures, established many church ministries and organizations, and was set apart as an Independent Baptist Church
Due to poor health Rev. Randolph was forced into retirement in July of 1975; however, the Lord allowed Rev. Randolph to see his dream come true before his death in 1979.
After Rev. Randolph’s retirement, the late Rev. Robert J. Anderson was called to pastor the Nazareth Baptist Church, where he served for three years. While Rev. Anderson’s tenure was short, it was during his pastorate that the old church was leveled and the new one was built in 1977. After approximately one year of searching, the church called as the third pastor of the Nazareth Baptist Church in July 1979, Rev. Edward E. Butler.
¨ During Rev. Butler’s pastorate the church was tremendously blessed. The membership grew and the music ministry expanded with the formation of the Mass Choir. Rev. Butler developed regular fellowship opportunities with other churches in the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia area and licensed men and women to the gospel ministry. The following ministers were licensed under Rev. Butler:
¨ Rev. Jessicener Williamson
¨ Rev. James Short,
¨ Bishop James Martin, Sr.
¨ Evangelist Ruth Bellfield
¨ Evangelist Josie Butler
¨ Evangelist Anna Noel Harrington
¨ Minister Harold Alexander.
One of the most significant accomplishments under Rev. Butler was having the church building debt declared “PAID IN FULL.” The mortgage burning service was held in September of 2002 and it was a great celebration for the church. Under Rev. Butler’s leadership, the youth ministry was developed, the mortgage was burned, and fellowship with other churches grew. In December of 2006, after 27 years of leading Nazareth Baptist Church, Rev. Butler ended his term as pastor.
DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS
Rev. Roy D. Thomas a longtime friend of Nazareth and our previous pastor, Rev. Eddie Butler was asked to come and help the church through the transition when Rev. Butler retired. Nazareth was without a Pastor for only a few months when Rev. Thomas began to serve as the Interim Pastor in March 2007.
The following year in April of 2008, the church voted to accept Rev. Thomas as the 4th pastor of the Nazareth Baptist Church. Under Pastor Thomas’ leadership, the membership began to grow and the church began to flourish. Through an emphasis on the WORD OF GOD, church unity, and love Pastor Thomas has led the church to new levels of spiritual growth and renewal. Rev. Thomas has added to both the Deacon and Deaconess ministries, and established a Joint Board, Planning Committee, church constitution and by-laws, and has consecrated the Deaconess for spiritual service.
At God’s direction, Pastor Thomas instituted and/or reestablished the following ministries: Leadership Training, Vacation Bible School, Weekly Prayer Service and Bible Study Sunday School, New Member Orientation Training Classes, Women’s Fellowship Ministry, Created Church Website, Led the church in Evangelism and Outreach, Instituted Women’s and Men’s Retreats/Conferences, Instituted Church Planning Committee, and Updated Constitution and Bylaws.
The emphasis on spiritual growth has benefited the church and has had an impact on the lives of the members and the church finances. This increase enabled Pastor Thomas to lead the church in the multiple church renovation projects without having to secure debt. Following are some of the renovation and beautification projects:
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Front wall and steps replaced,
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Upstairs bathroom installed to accommodate the senior members
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Church parking added to the rear of the church,
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Replaced the roof, air conditioner, and carpet,
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A new sound system installed
Additionally, Rev. Thomas enhanced the worship experience by replacing the sound system and adding a new keyboard to the services. A digital sign was purchased and installed for the church which serves a key evangelism tool and he established a church beautification project which included painting the sanctuary, vestibule and downstairs areas. We are truly thankful for what God has done for the Nazareth Baptist Church and we stand in awe of what He will do in the future.
Rev. Thomas is currently leading the church in a fundraising campaign to make the church handicap accessible. With a goal to ensure that all people regardless of their disabilities have the opportunity to join in public worship. With more than $45k has been raised to date, the membership continues to support this building fund campaign. In addition, research committees have been established for this building effort and efforts are on the way to determine the best accessibility solution for the Nazareth Baptist Church.