About GMPBC

The Mount Pisgah Baptist Church was organized in May 1906 by the late Reverend W. Ellington Smith and a prayer band of Christian believers who felt the need of a church in their community. They first met and worshipped in a private home at 718 Nineteenth Street, Northeast. In the following years, many people in the surrounding communities aligned themselves with the good news of the gospel in this neighborhood. As the need for more space became apparent, the answer was to erect a new building at 1829 Gales Street, across the street from what had become its second location. In 1910, Mount Pisgah opened the doors to its new home. 

Shortly thereafter, Reverend Smith was called from labor to reward. In search of a successor, members were led by the Spirit to call Reverend C. H. Fox as their leader. After time, Reverend Fox moved on to the Pastorate of Mt. Horeb Baptist Church in Washington, DC. 

Once again, with the task of selecting another pastor, Reverend Hungerford was chosen. His tenure was blessed with success but short lived. Being unable to carry on, Reverend Hyder Johnson accepted the charge. He was a man of vision. His vision was to erect a church with a belfry to ring out into the community calling the people to worship. That vision was made manifest in 1922. That same year Reverend Johnson’s earthly work was ended. 

Mt. Pisgah continued to progress under the dynamic leading of a young, dedicated, energetic preacher, Reverend William A. Johnson. Consecrated to God’s work, membership increased and by 1929, the indebtedness of the church was eradicated. 

In 1930, Reverend W. A. Johnson was called to a pastorate in Plainfield, New Jersey. Later in the year, God sent a Spirit filled Lloyd N. Young to Mt. Pisgah. So inspired were the members by his spiritual fervor and ability to win souls, that he became Pastor of Mount Pisgah, fulfilling their hope for a long tenured pastor. The renovations continued and membership grew to over 600. Thus, Mount Pisgah was renamed, “The Greater Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church”. Reverend Lloyd N. Young continued shepherding the flock until his retirement in 1957, leaving an indelible mark on the minds and hearts of the congregation. 

In 1958, Reverend James A. McKinnon, Reverend Young’s able-bodied assistant, by divine intervention took up the mantle. A man of vision, his anointed leadership yielded much fruit. He envisioned a larger building to accommodate the physical growth of the church as well as its ministries and outreach programs, which included the Baptist Training Union, New Members Club, and The Young Adult Club. Fully accepted by the body, immediate planning was put in place.  

On Sunday, April 21, 1974, the last sermon was preached from the then existing pulpit by Pastor James A. McKinnon.  Service culminated with the administering of “The Holy Communion” and, in a few days, the old building was leveled to the ground. On Saturday, May 4, 1974, groundbreaking ceremonies were conducted; two golden spades were presented to Deacon Edward Smith in memory of Deacon Manus Gray, Sr. and Deacon Leffrich Mayo. During the period of construction, 8:00 a.m. services were held at Montello Ingram Baptist Church via the hospitality of Pastor Eugene 0. Wright at 914 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. Neither is forgotten the debt of gratitude owed to Reverend Wright for his generous Spirit. For this reason, he is remembered and appreciated, rightly deserving a place in this history. 

On Saturday, April 26, 1975, Cornerstone Laying Ceremonies took place with service conducted by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. of the Washington Jurisdiction, amidst the gaze of a great company of witnesses. 

Sunday, August 17, 1975, a motorcade formed at Montello Ingram Baptist Church, processed its way through the streets to the destination of our new home, “The Greater Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 1818 Gales Street, N. E.”   Rev. McKinnon led the ribbon cutting, acceptance of keys, and entrance into the beautiful edifice to the singing of ‘We Have Come This Far by Faith.”  Reverend John D. Bussey delivered a dynamic sermon, befitting the occasion. 

On February 28, 1978, another goal, the burning of the mortgage, was achieved through faithful work and by the grace of God.  An unprecedented record of building and completely paying off the mortgage of a new church within four years had been met.  Three adjacent lots were purchased to increase the parking area. An elevator and ramp were installed to improve accessibility to the facility. 

Reverend McKinnon continued to Pastor an additional 13 years, sharing the grief, joys, and sorrows of his flock.  After 29 years of faithful service, Reverend McKinnon retired in December 1987.  He left a rich “Legacy of Love”. 

On Sunday, July 23, 1989, Reverend Joseph L. Harris was installed as the eighth Pastor of Greater Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. “Celebrating  A New Beginning” was our church motto, as God richly blessed us through the ministries led by Pastor Harris.  This was evident in his concern for community outreach and his innovative ideas.  Possessing a special commitment to children, he instituted a summer enrichment program, “Children in Christ”, a supplement to the long established Vacation Bible School. 

Under his leadership, two new buses were purchased, enabling many to attend services and providing transportation to various events. The Christian Education Ministry, the Community Evangelistic Ministry,  Prison Ministry, the Share Program, Clothing Outreach Ministry, and the Annual Block Celebration became valued arms of Kingdom building.  Pastor Harris’ legacy includes the three crosses adorning the wall above the choir loft and the neon lighted Cross that beams from the rear outer wall of Greater Mt. Pisgah that can be seen afar.  Rev. Joseph Harris retired from the position of Pastor on April 24, 2004.

In 2005, the Pastoral Search Committee began the process of searching for a new Pastor, a process that was to extend over a two year period.  It was during this search period that the Greater Mount Pisgah Baptist Church was also blessed to witness a milestone anniversary.  In November 2006, the Church rejoiced in celebrating “One Hundred Years of God’s Amazing Grace.”  Unbeknownst to most at the time, the theme ”God’s Amazing Grace” was to become an integral part of the worship experience at “Pisgah.”  

On May 19, 2005, Dr. Howard Van Willis, Jr. was selected by the Church membership to become the ninth Pastor of Greater Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.  His initial sermon as Pastor-elect occurred on June 1, 2007, and his formal installation as the new Pastor was on Sunday, September 30, 2007.  

From the beginning, Pastor Willis sought to lead the church in “Serving Christ in excellence,” stressing the importance of biblical foundation for all activities.  Partially inspired by the 100^th Anniversary theme, he deemed Mt. Pisgah as “A Place Where People Experience God’s Amazing Grace,” which has aptly become the Greater Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church motto.  Under the leadership of Pastor Willis, several sons and daughters have been licensed and/or ordained as ministers of the gospel.   Bible Study Classes have been instituted and expanded, physical improvements to the church have been made, and the first Minister of Music was established, ushering in greater opportunities for praise and worship.

In November 2016, Greater Mt. Pisgah experienced another spiritual milestone as it shared in the historic consecration of our Pastor to the office of Bishop.  Bishop Willis and the Greater Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church family have soared to new spiritual heights as evidenced by the weekly testimonials of healings, deliverances, and favor, as well as the spirit-filled praise and worship experiences. 

In 2018, the church adopted as a theme, “Occupy Until He Comes,” which became a challenge to occupy the spaces, responsibilities, duties,  and privileges of membership and service in the both the church and God’s kingdom.  Rev. Delores Coley and then Minister of Music Benjamin Byrd wrote an original song titled “Occupy,” which frequently represented the solidarity and fervor of worship services.

In 2019, Bishop Willis further inspired the congregation and members to celebrate and solidify the unity and resolve of the church family with a new self-identity slogan:  “We Are Pisgah Strong: Our Faith, Our Family, Our Future.”  

As the world was met with the global covid-19 pandemic, the church was forced to suspend in-person worship service.  Greater Mt. Pisgah, with the grace of God, was able to institute virtual worship services via online platforms.  Although this seemed to be a disruption of the accustomed form of worship, the church was blessed with new opportunities to reach and engage new worshippers near and far.  When in-person worship resumed, virtual worship continued and remains in effect today. 

The church maintained through the pandemic and received confirmation repeatedly that “Pisgah” is a place where people receive God’s amazing grace.  Mt. Pisgah has been abundantly blessed with the addition of four associate ministers, increased outreach and members, and improvements to the physical church building.   Through the year of  2022, the inspirational directive for the church has been “From Vision to Fruition” as we push forward with ministries as servants of the Almighty God.

The church continues to build disciples of Christ, to minister to the disenfranchised, to share the gospel  and the fruits of God’s amazing grace,  and to strive to serve Christ in Excellence.