Signals New Leadership and Spiritual Energy in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. – October 30, 2025 – The historic Nineteenth Street Baptist Church is preparing for a significant milestone as it installs Reverend Kevin Lamár Peterman as its new senior pastor. This momentous occasion marks the culmination of an extensive nationwide search for a spiritual leader to guide the congregation forward, building on its longstanding legacy of faith, freedom, and service to the community.
“We are beyond pleased that our search pointed us in the direction to find Reverend Peterman. The Nineteenth Street Baptist Church congregation is confident that he cannot only share the gospel in a way that makes you just not emotional on a Sunday morning, but also changes your behavior during the week,” said Shawn Davis-Wilensky, Chair, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church Board of Deacons. Reverend Peterman’s selection carries forward the congregation’s recognition of the pivotal role of the Black church in the fight for social justice. Davis-Wilensky added, “He is the under-shepherd we prayed for.”
The installation will be celebrated during a series of events, beginning on November 1 and continuing through November 16, 2025. Each event is open to residents of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan community. All are invited to join in “Honoring the Legacy, Heralding the Future: A Celebration of Pastor and People.”
Schedule of Events
· Saturday, November 1: The celebration begins with an afternoon of family-friendly activities hosted by the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church Youth and Young Adult Ministries, in partnership with Nineteenth Street’s Christian Mite Society, Bread for the City and the Durant Family Charitable Foundation. This “Day of Service” focuses on community engagement, collecting coat donations to support families in need during the winter months and providing opportunities for family fun during a fall festival.
Three distinguished guest ministers will contribute to the Installation Celebration.
· Tuesday, November 11, 7 p.m.: Reverend Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Va., will lead the Revival Service.
· Saturday, November 15, 11 a.m.: Reverend Lawrence E. Aker III, Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Brooklyn, N.Y., will officiate during the sacred Pastoral Installation Service.
· Sunday, November 16, 10 a.m.: The celebration concludes with guest minister Reverend Dr. Otis Moss III of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.
All ministerial services will take place at Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, 4606 16th St NW, Washington, D.C.
On Friday, November 14, 7 p.m.: A sold-out audience attending the Legacy Gala at Washington, D.C.’s historic Howard Theatre and billed as a night of “Praise and Celebration,” will not only hear the internationally acclaimed Howard Gospel Choir, but also listen to Marcus Johnson, celebrated jazz musician and son of Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, known for his sophisticated blend of jazz and R&B.
In selecting Reverend Kevin Lamár Peterman, the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church congregation demonstrates the church’s dedication to finding a leader who represents its values and vision. United by their mission to serve both the nation and the local community, the congregation anticipates moving forward together under new pastoral leadership.
For more information about the Pastoral Installation Celebration, visit: https://19thStreetBC.org/Pastoral-Installation/
About Nineteenth Street Baptist Church
Founded in 1839, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church is the oldest African American Baptist congregation in Washington, D.C. With a legacy rooted in faith, justice, and education, the church continues to serve as a beacon of hope and spiritual leadership in the nation’s capital and beyond.
Initially located at 19th & I streets NW, the church moved in 1975 to its current home at 4606 16th St NW. For more information visit: https://19thstreetbc.org.
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