A Heritage That Begins with a Shed on Navy Hill
Fifth Baptist Church sits on West Cary Street in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, but its story begins more than a century and a half before the current building opened its doors. In February of 1865, in the closing months of the Civil War, a small group of enslaved people slipped away from their quarters during the late evening hours to worship. They gathered in a torn and tattered shed near a trash dump on Navy Hill, risking punishment and death to sing and offer prayers of thanksgiving and liberation.
After emancipation, that fragile fellowship continued. In 1872 the group chose the second floor of the Warwick stable at the corner of Morris and Main Streets as their new meeting place, and the Rev. Charles Bowles became their first pastor. The early congregation was guided by informal groups of trustees who directed church activities and built a foundation for steady growth. Attendance climbed, and on February 27, 1894, the members purchased a parcel of land at 1400 West Cary Street and built a Gothic-design edifice with stained glass windows, a choir loft, and a pump-style organ.
The church has remained a continuous presence on West Cary Street ever since. Under the leadership of the Rev. James Kelley, a capital campaign raised more than $350,000 and the congregation purchased the present site at 1415 West Cary Street from the Richmond Development Commission in October 1978. The current church building was completed in January 1984 and dedicated on March 4, 1984.
The Pastors: A Father-and-Son Team
Dr. Earl M. Brown has served as pastor of Fifth Baptist since 1978, a tenure that now stretches across more than four decades. A native of Williamston, North Carolina, and educated at E. J. Hayes High School, ECSU, Shaw Divinity, and Greensboro Bible School, he holds three honorary doctorates: Doctor of Divinity from Virginia Union University School of Theology, Doctor of Divinity from Richmond Virginia Seminary, and Doctor of Pastoral Leadership from Virginia University of Lynchburg. Before coming to Richmond, he pastored Corinth Baptist Church in Jarvisburg, North Carolina; Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Lewiston, North Carolina; and First Baptist Church in Reidsville, North Carolina. He has served as a former president of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia and is a member of the NAACP, the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the Lott Carey Convention, American Baptist Churches USA, the Richmond Committee of Ecumenical Clergy, and the Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond and Vicinity.
Dr. Ricardo L. Brown, his son, joined him as co-pastor in 2005. Born in Ahoskie, North Carolina, and a third-generation Baptist preacher, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Morehouse College, a Master of Divinity from Virginia Union University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Virginia University of Lynchburg in 2006. He previously served as pastor of First Nottoway Baptist Church in Crewe, Virginia, and Eskridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Shelby, North Carolina. He serves as Executive Director of Living the Dream, Inc. (formerly Community Learning Week), Second Vice President of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia, and Co-Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Baptist Center of Virginia (formerly the Children's Home of Virginia Baptists).
Sunday Mornings: Worship, School, and Children
The rhythm of the week at Fifth Baptist centers on Sunday morning. Sunday School meets at 10 am and has been a mainstay of the congregation for more than seventy-five years, offering Bible study and religious training for children, teens, and adults in classes for men, women, combined groups, young adults, and a contemporary group. The worship service follows at 11 am and is offered both in person and via live stream. Communion is observed on the first Sunday of each month. Children's Church is held for ages 4 through 10 at both 8 am and 11 am, with in-person sessions on the first Sunday of the month and virtual lessons every Sunday.
The Midweek Gathering
A second weekly worship opportunity comes on Wednesdays. The Midweek Service is live streamed twice, at noon and at 7 pm, anchored by the verse from Psalm 119:105, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." The noon broadcast makes midweek devotion possible for those at work or home during the day, while the evening hour offers an option for those whose schedules keep them from Sunday mornings.
A Program Built on Music
Fifth Baptist's music ministry is among the most extensive in the region. The program began with a single choir and later divided into Junior and Senior Choirs under early leaders such as Ola Mayo Garrett, Avis Turner, Florence Fields, and Elizabeth Anderson. Today the church supports nine distinct ensembles. The Mass Choir anchors the main Sunday service, with the EMB Ensemble, Joshua Generation, Male Chorus, Memorial Choir, Orchestra, Praise Team, Spiritulaires, and Voices United in Christ rounding out the roster. Two additional groups, the Adult Praise Dance Ministry and the Mime Ministry, lead movement in worship. Choir Room space is part of the renovated facility.
Children, Youth, and Scouting
Children and teens find a deep bench of programming at Fifth Baptist. Brothers and Sisters in Christ (B.A.S.I.C.) serves ages 4 through 18. Cherubim and Youth Choirs introduce younger members to music, while age-appropriate Sunday School classes cover five grades. Friday Night Recreation gives youth a weekly social outlet, and a dedicated group of youth ushers serves during worship.
Scouting has long been a flagship. Boys' programs include Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Webelos, Bear Cubs, and Tiger and Wolf Cubs. Girls' programs include Girl Scouts, Daisy Brownies, Cadet Girls, and Junior Girls. A nursery is available for the youngest children.
Adults Across Every Season of Life
The adult ministry slate covers nearly every stage and interest. The Fantastic Seniors and Single Adult Ministry serve older members and unmarried adults. The Men's Ministry, Women's Ministry, Marriage Ministry, and Hospitality Ministry round out the core fellowship groups. The Elizabeth Project and BOW Ministry extend care to women in specific life circumstances. Intercessory Prayer gathers those called to a ministry of prayer, and the Nurses Ministry draws on the gifts of medical professionals in the congregation. The Phoenix Prison Ministry carries the congregation's witness behind the walls of correctional facilities. Veterans' Ministry supports those who have served in the armed forces.
The Empowerment Service (YES) and Young Adult Ministry (YAMS) speak to young professionals, and a Volleyball league adds a weekly recreational outlet.
Mission Beyond the Walls
Outreach is organized through the Mission Ministry, which frames local and global service as the natural overflow of Christian fellowship. The ministry partners with the Baptist General Convention of Virginia's annual session and regional rallies and gathers the women of the church for Monday morning prayer. The church also participates in community gatherings such as the Pre-Mother's Day Brunch held in the Family Life Center and the Prayer Breakfast hosted with partner congregations.
Each year, Fifth Baptist awards several scholarships to students in higher education. The Fifth Baptist Church Annual Scholarship is open to members. Three additional $500 scholarships, the Betty Fitzgerald Memorial Scholarship, the Samuel D. Phillips Scholarship (sponsored by the Male Usher Board), and the Dr. Loraine M. Stewart Memorial Scholarship, are awarded with a June 12 application deadline. Applications and supporting details are available through the church's scholarship page.
Healthy Living Seminars
Hosted by Dr. Ricardo L. Brown and his wife Cynthia, the Healthy Living Seminar Series tackles wellness from every angle. Recorded sessions cover Medicare, COVID/flu/RSV, budgeting, foot and heart health, diabetes, pain treatment, mental and emotional health, fire safety, and healthy cooking. Free downloadable recipe cards, American Sign Language alphabet and vocabulary sheets, and a communication guide accompany the video library on the church's YouTube channel.
The Building at 1415 West Cary Street
The current building, completed in 1984, has been substantially expanded under Dr. Earl M. Brown's leadership. Additions and renovations include a new commercial-size kitchen, a renovated secretarial suite, a co-pastor office suite, a Financial Secretary office, a Choir Room, a renovated Fellowship Hall, and a Family Life Center with a full-size gym. These spaces host Sunday morning worship, Wednesday services, mission ministry events, scouting meetings, recreational leagues, and the annual scholarship Sunday.
Service Times at a Glance
Sunday School meets at 10 am. Worship follows at 11 am, in person and via live stream, with Children's Church for ages 4 through 10 at 8 am and 11 am. The Midweek Service is live streamed at noon and 7 pm on Wednesdays. Communion is observed on the first Sunday of each month, and Children's Church meets in person on the first Sunday with virtual lessons the rest of the month.