CHURCH MISSION & STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of Purity Baptist Church shall be the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as the inspired Word of God, the spread of the Gospel throughout the world, the administration of the ordinances of the New Testament, and the spiritual growth of all its members.

The History of Our CHURCH
Purity Baptist Church and Urban Center spreads The Gospel throughout the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area because we believe the Word of Jesus Christ enriches everyone's lives.
The church on the hill that is still there. We are in the heart of the community and we are visible in the community. We are here to serve by giving back as a Baptist church and a mission oriented church
Whether you've fallen on hard times, you're in search of community, or you're just looking for a great Bible believing, Bible teaching Church in Washington
D.C., we want you to feel welcome and at home here at our local church.
THE FOUNDATION
The Purity Baptist Church was organized on February 27, 1947, in the home of Deacon and Mrs. Johns S. Jackson – 909 Ninth Street, N.E., having separated themselves from the fellowship of the Israel Baptist Church, plans for the new organization were put forth by Deacon Oscar Rhodes and an invitation was extended to Reverend Henry Gibbs Hockett to become pastor to this new body of Christ.
Fifteen persons were present at the first meeting, after which Deacon Rhodes invoked God’s guidance, the body adjourned and met again on March 3, 1947, in the Jackson’s home. At this meeting Reverend Hockett, former pastor of Israel accepted the call as pastor and 168 additional members were enrolled. Commissioned to assist him were the Rev. O. C. Bagby and Rev. Carroll Edwards.
A non-member, but well-wisher, Deacon William Colvin offered a name for this group which we are called today – “Purity Baptist Church”. In the beginning they had no place to hold their services, but were those with big hearts. They had access to Peace Baptist Church and their facilities and a short them thereafter the Trinidad Church opened their doors and said, “Come and stay as long as you wish.”
THE MOVE
In 1949, Purity moved to our first temporary shelter at 1325 Maryland Avenue, N.E. (lots 27 and 21). The original property consisted of two houses, a store and a warehouse (on the rear lot). Under the leadership of Pastor Hockett the Purity Baptist Church was able to institute a program of mission that caused her to stand tall among her sister churches. All of the elements of the institutional church were put into place and the gospel preached in its fullness. On Sunday, September 1, 1968, ground was broken for a new church. The Reverend R. L. Rollins of the Florida Avenue Baptist Church brought the message and on September 14, 1969, the current main sanctuary was dedicated.
In November 1974, after Hockett’s retirement, Reverend Dr. J. Terry Wingate accepted the invitation to return to Purity, his home church, and was installed as pastor in March 1975. Under Pastor Wingate’s leadership the Purity Baptist Church became a member of American Baptist Churches, USA and the American Baptist Churches of the South, Maryland District. We also liquidated the burned the mortgage in 1975 on the property and furnishing of the main church sanctuary.
A new facility (the Urban Center was completed and furnished in 1983. This included the purchase of additional properties and the surfacing of the parking lot in the rear of the church. These facilities lent themselves to the creative ministry that Pastor Wingate and the Purity family has in our ongoing ministry of outreach. On March 18, 2007 we were blessed to have our second “Mortgage Burning” service.
After an extended illness, Pastor Wingate went home to be with the Lord in April 2001. Rev. Arie L. Mangrum, Jr., Pastor Emeritus of Peace Baptist Church was selected as Interim Pastor in August 2001 and served until December 2003.
Reverend John E. Johnson, Jr. accepted the call to Purity in December 2003. Rev. Johnson was installed as out third pastor March 2004 and served until 2008.
Reverend Dr. Robin A. Toogood, II was installed as out fourth pastor November 29, 2009. He has been challenged to move the church forward through his vision “Empowered by God to Reach: Upward, Inward and Outward”. He has a desire to do what is pleasing in the sight of God. His prayer is to truly live so that God can use Him-anytime, and anywhere! The Purity Family has been truly blessed with a Pastor that has shown us his faithfulness to God and to Purity.
"Empowerd by God to Reach; Upward, Inward and Outward"
Faith
Faith is the cornerstone of Purity Baptist Church
and Urban Center. It is part of every activity that we do, every meeting that we hold. We believe in our Lord, and that our actions are a reflection of his goodness.
Scripture
Community
Youth Ministry
Youth is a unique period of life, one filled with exploration, discovery, excitement and fulfillment. Purity Baptist Church and Urban Center's Youth Ministry provides a nurturing, loving environment for young people exploring the world. It is a safe place where faith guides exploration and self-discovery.