Benning Ridge in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Rock Baptist Church
First Rock Baptist Church
Founded May 1957
Organized 1958
Built 1962
Rebuilt 1979
Rev. Joseph W. King, Founder
Erected 1979 by First Rock Baptist Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work. A significant historical date for this entry is May 2, 1957.
Location. 38° 52.799′ N, 76° 56.369′ W. Marker is in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Benning Ridge. Marker is on Alabama Avenue Southeast just south of G Street Southeast, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4630 Alabama Ave SE, Washington DC 20019, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Rock Baptist Church Rain Garden (a few steps from this marker); Woodlawn Cemetery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fort DuPont (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Fort DuPont (approx. half a mile away); Fort Chaplin (approx. half a mile away); Original Federal Boundary Stone, District of Columbia, Southeast 2 (approx. 0.6 miles away in Maryland); St. John Baptist Church of Marshall Heights, SE, Inc.
this page online
Also see . . . History, First Rock Baptist Church. This page on First Rock's site shares the origins of the congregation:
Under the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Lord gave The Late Reverend Joseph W. King specific direction as to a time and place to start a church. The revelation was a vision of rocks in front of a church. This inspired Reverend King to name the church, “First Rock Baptist Church.” The first church was located at 4322 Chaplin Street, S.E., Washington, DC. Before the doors were opened, Reverend King did a door-to-door canvass of witnessing to persons living on Alabama Avenue and E Street, S.E. After two weeks of witnessing, Reverend King was inspired to call a meeting on Tuesday, May 2, 1957, in the home of Brother and Sister Edward Daniels. Those present were Brothers Harold Simms, R. Archer and David L. Howard, Sisters Hattie S. Daniels and Lula Manor, and Reverend King. At this meeting, Brother Howard was chosen to serve as Superintendent of the Sunday School, Sister Lula Manor, Treasurer, and Sister Hattie S. Daniels, Secretary. The first service(Submitted on March 31, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)of the church was held on Sunday, May 5, 1957. Brother Coachman became the first member to unite by Christian experience.
Additional commentary.
1. About the marker
While most church cornerstones do not serve as historical markers, this one does. It shares who founded the church and when.
— Submitted April 4, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 59 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 31, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
