Board of Deaconesses

For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

(Ephesians 2:10, KJV)

Our history: At the close of the 19th century and into the early 20th century, a devoted group of women known as the “Mothers of the Church” faithfully assisted the deacons in caring for the needs of the congregation, particularly those who were sick, and those elderly members who required special care and attention. As the congregation grew, so did spiritual and personal needs, creating a greater call for compassionate care, faithful service, and dedicated ministry to support and uplift members of the church. In response, a more formalized structure became necessary, and on June 5, 1905, the church officially established the Nineteenth Street Baptist Church Board of Deaconesses.

In our recent history, many devoted Christian women have answered the clarion call to faithful servant leadership as deaconesses. They have been consecrated and empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry forward the mission established by the women who served before them. We pray for God’s continued direction and blessings as we build upon our enduring legacy of service and love, and strive to live out our 2026 theme, “Serving With Excellence—Reflecting Christ.”

Our mission: To faithfully uphold our covenant responsibilities; to faithfully serve alongside the pastor and the Board of Deacons in ministering to the spiritual needs of the congregation, providing compassionate support and dedicated service that strengthens the church family and advances its ministry.

Our work: Consistent with our history and mission, as spiritual servant leaders, deaconesses actively engage in church and community initiatives that advance and strengthen God’s kingdom work. Deaconesses serve our church family by providing physical support, spiritual support through prayer, close connections through visits, calls, cards, and gifts, and comfort and support to families during times of bereavement. Deaconesses are also intricately involved in churchwide endeavors, as well as programs that focus on youth and young adults and on scholarships for higher education, while also hosting fellowship events. In addition, deaconesses help extend the church’s reach beyond its walls by leading outreach efforts that serve homeless shelters, centers for children in need, and resource programs for abused women and their children.

Our future: The Board will continue to depend on God’s help to build upon our rich and fruitful legacy of service and love. We will embrace God’s new mercies each day and share them selflessly with others. As we move forward in faith, we remain committed to growing in discipleship and inviting others into a deeper walk with Christ. If you are interested in beginning your spiritual journey, we welcome you to connect with a member of the Deaconess Board by emailing deaconesses@19thstreetbc.org or leaving a message with the church office at (202-829-2773).

Officers

Chair – Maureen A. Young
Vice Chair – Jean Jackson
Recording Secretary – Monique Wiley-Crawford
Corresponding Secretary – Dena Bowen
Chaplain – Barbara Young Johnson
Assistant Chaplin — Evangeline Stevens
Treasurer – Cathy Nunn
Assistant Treasurer – Patricia Kilby-Robb

Financial Secretary – Margarette Blakemore
Assistant Financial Secretary – Sharon Miller

Parliamentarian – Kyra M. Wooden
Sergeant-at-Arms – Sharon Tucker

Historian – Anika Cooper

Members
Elizabeth Banks
Catherine Cheatham
Pat Hodge
Jean Jordan

Deaconesses Emerita
Eleanor Banks
Kathryn Brooks

Sandra Caviness
Mamie Montague
Dorothy Smith
Martha Ward

Inactive Deaconesses

Patricia Andrewn

Gwendolyn Harris-Gale

Joan Jefferson

Eloise Turner