First Baptist Church of Deanwood: This historic church was an important site for the early Deanwood community.
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One of DC's oldest African American suburbs, Deanwood was established when white landowner Levi Sheriff divided farmland among his three daughters, Margaret Lowrie, Emmeline Sheriff and Mary Cornelia Dean. These three subdivisions—Whittingham, Lincoln Heights, and Burrville—came to be known as Deanwood. In 1906, the First Baptist Church of Deanwood was incorporated, beginning a long, community-centered legacy that continues today.
While the church had existed since 1906, the church was not built until 1929 and opened to congregants nine years later. As the largest African American Protestant congregation in Deanwood, the church underwent several renovations and expansions to accomodate its parishoners. The original church, designed by Roscoe I. Vaughn, was built with the financial support of its congregants, and constructed by volunteers who worked in construction work and also attended the church.
When completed, the church hosted its large community for services, Sunday School, Bible study, and recreational activities that maintained strong community bonds. The church exemplifies the wider strength of the Deanwood area.
DC Inventory: February 28, 2008
National Register: July 24, 2008
Files
Side View of the First Baptist Church of Deanwood
First Baptist Church of Deanwood in the Deanwood neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The new reddish church in front was completed in 1961 and is the main church building now. The old yellowish church in back was completed in 1938 and has been on the NRHP since July 24, 2008. At 1008 45th St. NE, in the Deanwood neighborhood of Washington, D.C. The older building is the one on the NRHP. | Source: Wiki Commons | Date: August 2011
Main entrance, First Baptist Church of Deanwood
First Baptist Church of Deanwood on the NRHP since July 24, 2008. At 1008 45th St. NE, in the Deanwood neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Completed in 1938, now used for youth activities. A bigger church was built just south in 1961, but the older building is the one on the NRHP. | Source: Wiki Commons | Date: August 2011
