Anacostia in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Union Temple Baptist Church
Erected 1990
Founder
Rev. C. L. Smallwood
Pastor
Rev. Willie F. Wilson
Erected 1990 by Union Temple Baptist Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1969.
Location. 38° 51.88′ N, 76° 59.342′ W. Marker is in Southeast Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Anacostia. It is on W Street Southeast east of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Southeast, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1225 W St SE, Washington DC 20020, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, in the Tidewater, and in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Transit and Trade (within shouting distance of this marker); The Big Chair (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named The Big Chair (about 300 feet away); The Worlds Largest Chair (about 300 feet away); New Covenant Baptist Church (about 400 feet away); Mother Churches and Their Daughters (about 500 feet away); A Neighborhood Oasis (about 500 feet away); A Legacy of Resilience (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southeast Washington.
Also see . . .
this page online
Union Temple Baptist Church was founded by the late Reverend Chester L. Smallwood on July 6, 1967, and was officially recognized by the Baptist Ministers Council of Washington and Vicinity as a Missionary Baptist Church in November 1969.(Submitted on April 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
In 1969 after a period illness, Reverend Smallwood was unable to continue service. Hence, Reverend Simon Beamon served, assisted by Reverend William Roundtree (September 1971- September 1972), and Reverend John Moss (September 1972 - February 1973). In March 1973, Reverend Willie F. Wilson was called by the then active membership of 30, to be the chosen shepherd, and assumed the Pastorate.
In 1990, against incredible odds and opposition, Rev. Wilson led the construction of a $3.5 million church complex in the heart of Anacostia. With its Kente-stained glass windows, the church receives world acclaim for its 30-foot by 19-foot mural depicting the Last Supper. It not only has the image of a black Christ, but also has the twelve disciples depicted as twelve significant Africans and African Americans, among them Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X.
Additional commentary.
1. About the marker
While most church cornerstones do not serve as historical markers, this one does: It shares who founded the congregation and when.
— Submitted April 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 19, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
