WASHINGTON, D.C. – One of the District’s most historic Black churches has begun a new chapter. Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, the city’s oldest independent Black Baptist congregation, has officially welcomed Rev. Kevin Lamár Peterman, 32, as its new senior pastor.
Founded in 1839, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church holds a long and proud legacy of faith, community service, and social justice advocacy. With the appointment of Rev. Peterman—described by many as a rising star in the pulpit—the church is poised to blend its deep-rooted traditions with a fresh, millennial vision for spiritual leadership and civic engagement.
“I am humbled and honored to serve a church with such a rich history and prophetic witness,” said Peterman. “Together, we will continue to live out the Gospel, serve our community, and press forward toward the beloved community envisioned by our ancestors and entrusted to us by God.”
A Legacy Church Begins A New Chapter
Rev. Peterman succeeds Rev. Dr. Darryl D. Roberts, whose tenure concluded in August 2023. Known for his powerful preaching and commitment to public service, Peterman’s appointment has energized the congregation.
“We joyfully welcome Rev. Peterman’s spiritual leadership, his heart for God’s people, and his vision for ministry,” said Deacon Shawn Davis-Wilensky, chair of the church’s Board of Deacons. “We believe he will honor our rich traditions while guiding us forward in faith, unity, and a renewed purpose.”
From Newark to D.C.: A Pastor’s Journey
A Newark, New Jersey native, Peterman was baptized and licensed to preach at First Baptist Church of Vauxhall. He first came to D.C. as a student at Howard University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and quickly fell in love with the city.
“I came to D.C. to go to Howard, and I fell in love with the city,” he shared.
Peterman continued his theological education with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Princeton Theological Seminary, a Master’s in Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania, and additional certifications in Black church studies and clergy ethics. His educational journey took him across the globe—from China and Japan to Ghana and South Africa—and he completed pastoral training at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.
Experience in Ministry and Community Leadership
Peterman brings a unique blend of ministerial and civic experience to Nineteenth Street. He was ordained at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, where he served as young adult and social justice minister. He later served for seven years as associate pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church in Northwest D.C., and as chief of staff for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).
He has also worked as director of strategic initiatives at Howard University’s School of Divinity, chief of staff at Next Step Adult Public Charter School, and held fellowships with the NAACP, the Penn Center for Minority Serving Institutions, and D.C. Public Schools.
Peterman is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Prince Hall Masonic Order. In 2024, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers and Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College, one of the most prestigious honors for Black clergy.
A Vision for Inclusive Ministry and Community Development
Peterman says his pastoral vision is focused on bridging generations and nurturing both spiritual and social development.
“It is important to care for the seniors as well as the youth,” he said. “We just had Vacation Bible School in which 60 young people attended.”
Looking ahead, he also plans to raise a $1 million endowment to secure the church’s future and is committed to supporting affordable housing efforts in D.C.
“My vision is to build on the legacy that the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church already has,” Peterman told The Informer.
Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
For long-time members like E. Louise White, 89, a retired school principal and historian of the church, the hope is that Peterman’s leadership will restore a sense of unity within the congregation.
“We as a church have lost a sense of family,” White said. “We were always supporting one another. I hope Rev. Peterman brings back that sense of connection.”
White, who has witnessed the church’s evolution over decades—from its original home at 19th and I Streets NW in Foggy Bottom to its current location on 16th Street NW, emphasized the importance of remembering the church’s rich heritage.
“My prayer is like the song: ‘Revive Us Again,’” she said. “It’s all about the service of the church and being workers in the vineyard.”
Members Look Ahead With Hope
Many members are excited to welcome a younger leader who connects across generations and brings modern relevance to the pulpit.
“What excites me about Rev. Peterman is that he is a dynamic preacher who makes scripture relatable to the issues of today,” said Karen Williamson, chair of the Board of Trustees. “He is a young man, but he can relate to church members of all ages.”
Despite the church’s long history, members say their spirit remains forward-looking. As Nineteenth Street Baptist Church celebrates 185 years of service, faith, and advocacy, they look to Rev. Peterman to shepherd the next era of purpose and progress.
“The challenge for us is to keep going,” White said. “We have to hold to God’s unchanging hand.”
With Rev. Kevin Lamár Peterman at the helm, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church is writing the next chapter in a legacy built on faith, unity, and community.
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