1907 – 1917: In November 1907, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Virgil Taylor, this great church known as the “Old Saint John Baptist Church” began its ministry with a couple of faithful people who were seeking a place to worship. The church first opened its doors at 4^th & W Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., where it remained for several years. On paper the church was incorporated in 1912.

1918 – 1928: The church continues to worship in the building at 4^th & W Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. for another 10 years with the same few members. They continued to worship under the leadership of Rev. Virgil Taylor who would encourage the members to continue to look and pray for the day when more members would join the fellowship.

1929 – 1939: In the years 1929 through 1938 the church remained at the location of 4^th & W Street, N.W. In 1938 the church moved to 37^th and R Street, N.W., still with Rev. Taylor as Pastor. It was in this year the church officially was named. It was originally called the “Old Saint John Baptist Church,” but because of the close proximity of another church having the same name. The name was changed to Paramount Baptist Church. The church continued to move around to find a permanent location to worship relocated to 4^th & L Street, N.W. sharing space with Rev. McKinley and the Kinsley Memorial Church. Rev. Taylor resigned following this move and Rev. George Richardson became Pastor. He served for many years with the few members.

1940 – 1950: After the resignation of Rev. Richardson, the membership was joined with Rev. L. F. Blalock as Pastor, who served a few years. He moved the members to 620 Independence Ave., SE. After a few years of leadership by him, Rev. Sylvester V. Reeves became Pastor. On June 27, 1947, the church’s name was properly recorded as Paramount Baptist Church.

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