A WORD ABOUT US

Who We Are

Meridian Hill Baptist Church History

The formation of Meridian Hill Baptist Church began from the aspiration of Rev. Roosevelt McIntyre and the inspiration from God to establish a place of worship.The purpose of this chronology is to offer members and friends of Meridian Hill Baptist Church a comprehensive record of the church’s achievements from 1928-2012. A church that is blessed to have been under the leadership of only two pastors, who were willing to make many sacrifices and face numerous obstacles to lead God’s people.
1928 The Meridian Hill Baptist Church started in a storefront, and then moved to one room of a house at 2341 Champlain St., NW with only two members. Later with a few pioneering members, the Sunday School, the oldest organization and training division was established by Mrs. Mary Lee McIntyre. The Deacon Board was also established that year with Deacon Miledge Moon as the first chairman. The Trustee Board was organized, and the first chairman was Brother James Myers.

1931 The Church moves to 1725 Kalorama Rd NW into a frame building with
a few faithful members. To assist the Deacons, the Deaconess Board was organized with Deaconess Nellie Harris as President.
1934 The Senior Usher Board was organized with Daisy Mosley as President.

1937 With a small but increasing congregation, and faith in God, plans to build a new church were initiated.

1939 - 1946 During the construction phase, services were held at various locations ranging from a service station yard, to the Jarvis Funeral Home. In 1944, the Nurse’s Unit was organized to administer assistance and comfort to anyone in need. Sis. Eliza Cobb was appointed as the first President.


1947 The march from 10th and U Streets, NW to the new church at 1725 Kalorama Rd. NW was a dream comes true. During this period, the church experienced unprecedented growth. The Gospel Chorus was organized on April 30th.

1957 The Junior Usher Board was organized by Sis. Eva Scott.

1959 The Education Center which included a nursery for daycare was opened next door to the Church.

1967 A substantial real estate investment was made by contributions from the numerous clubs.

1969 A growing congregation and a need for a larger facility to worship prompted the acquisition of the property at 3146 16th St. NW for over a quarter million dollars.

1970 The congregation participated in a relocation march from 1725 Kalorama Rd NW to 3146 16th St. NW on April 15th. Participating in the services were representatives from local government, ministers and well wishers from through out the Washington Metropolitan area.

1979 The entire mortgage was paid and on December 31, 1979, the mortgage burning ceremony was held.

1980 - 1985 Many structural and physical improvements were made including Central Air Conditioning and Baptismal Pool. Because of growth in the Youth Department, the Busy Bee Christian Chorale was organized in November 1985, by Mother Mary Lee McIntyre.

1989 The Meridian Hill family was saddened by the passing of Rev. Roosevelt
McIntyre, who was called from labor to reward on July 24th. One of our former associate ministers, Rev. Calvin E. Cage Sr., served as interim pastor from November to March 1990.

1990 Pastor Calvin E. Cage, Sr. was installed on March 11th as the Church’s 2nd Pastor. This was a memorable occasion with several of the area’s leading Pastors participating, and attended by local officials and Ministers from around the nation. The guest speakers were Rev. Lloyd D. Hayes, Pastor Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Dayton, Ohio and Rev. W. Benson Stephens. Rev. Charles Fair, Pastor, United Missionary Baptist Church, Dayton, Ohio delivered the installation sermon.

1991 - 1992 Following the Pastor’s vision, numerous auxiliaries were organized, Food bank, Prison outreach, New members class, Noon day Bible class, Vacation Bible School, Seniors and Hospitality. An Ephesians Class was started on Sunday mornings and taught by Pastor Cage.

1993 The church underwent an extensive renovation project which included the Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, bathrooms, finance room and kitchen. Deacon and Deaconess training classes were initiated.

1995 Discipleship classes were initiated and taught by Pastor Cage. Renowned leaders from around the nation conducted workshops on Discipleship and Evangelism. All clubs were converted to auxiliaries and placed in four groups for anniversaries.

1997 In a special ceremony, fourteen disciple leaders were installed. Discipleship classes were then formed for the entire congregation. Sis. Devonaline Allen was appointed leader. All auxiliaries became Ministries.

1998 The O.I.C. building 3130 16th Street NW was purchased for $1.6 million. The usage of the sanctuary was extended to the Ethiopians and Hispanic Congregations for services. The first Multi-cultural Prayer Breakfast was held under the chairmanship of Rev. Robert S. Carter and Deaconess Valeria Long and the Unity Day Committee.

1998 Hispanic Congregations for services. The first Multi-cultural Prayer Breakfast was held under the chairmanship of Rev. Robert S. Carter and Deaconess Valeria Long and the Unity Day Committee.

1999 The Ordination of Rev. Robert S. Carter took place on February 13th. A proud day for Meridian Hill. He was later chosen as Assistant Pastor.

1999 Death of Co-Founder of Meridian Hill Baptist Church, Mrs. Mary Lee McIntyre.

2002 The need to extend the ministry in Maryland was embraced and property was acquired at 5354 Sheriff Road, Chapel Oaks, MD 20743. A church bond program was started to assist in the financing.

2003 Death of a close friend and comrade in the Lord, Reverend Robert S. Carter, Assistant Pastor. Also, the Pastor’s sister passed away, Chenetta E. Cage.

2004 Solidified partnerships with 2 schools; 1) Alternatives Unlimited in Washington, DC;
2) R.I.M.S. in Maryland.

2005 Purchased Outreach Center/Youth Church in historic Fairmont Heights, MD
Community

2006 Selection of Assistant Pastor which would be the second in the history of the
Church – George L. Parks, Jr.

2007 Joint celebration Easter Service with Meridian Hill and Cathedral of Christ
Baptist Churches

2008 Three alarm fire at historic Meridian Hill Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant.

2009 Purchased land (43 acres) at 6505 Johensu Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD. New
site of Meridian Hill Baptist Church.

2010 First Annual Race Relation Conference. Guest speakers were Nevalon Mitchell,
Rudy Stewart and Dr. Edwin Nichols.

God allowed the paths of Rev. Cage and Rev. David J. Venable to cross. It was over the course of two years that Rev. Cage poured into Rev. Venable taking observance of his dedication, faithfulness and integrity. In August 2012, under the direction of, now Overseer, Rev. Calvin E. Cage Sr, The Cathedral of Christ Baptist Church welcomed Rev. David J. Venable as Pastor Elect to continue the set vision of the house.

2012 On August 5, 2012, during Rev. Venable's first Sunday as Pastor-Elect, 2 souls
were saved and some 50 people made their way to the altar to join in membership and covenant with The Cathedral of Christ Baptist Church. This day will forever be known as the day "Redemption Came to the City!"