Corinthian Baptist
Church is a Missionary church that was founded on April 15, 1919 by Reverend
Benjamin H. Whiting and 35 true believers. In a prayer meeting led by the late
Rev. A. J. Tyler, Corinthian's first home was at 4th and K Streets, NW. In 1920,
Corinthian moved to 4th and Q Streets, NW. In 1927, Rev. Whiting was called to
Friendship Baptist Church and Rev. Wesley Wheeler became the Pastor. In 1930,
Rev. Wheeler resigned and Rev. George Taylor became the Pastor. Property was
purchased at 1615 3rd Street, NW in 1931. This was Corinthian's home for 17
years. In 1933, Pastor Taylor resigned and Rev. Samuel Sawyer became the
Pastor. In 1939, Pastor Sawyer resigned and Rev. Robert Patterson Gainey became
the Pastor.
In 1948, we moved to 44 Q Street, NW. In 1957, the members were
again looking for a larger building. The edifice at 500 I Street, NW was
purchased for $90,000. In 1977, Rev. Cassell Ward was elected as Assistant
Pastor; co-Pastor in 1979. On March 15, 1980, Pastor Gainey passed and Rev. Ward
was elected as Pastor. On June 20, 1997, after 17 years of outstanding service,
Pastor Ward passed. On September 26, 1998, Bishop James L. Martin, Sr. was
elected as Pastor.
