About Our Church History

Perkins Square Baptist Church was founded by Rev. Frank R. Williams – the son of Thomas and Rachel Williams. Rev. Williams was a member of the Allen AME Church, but in 1879, he left Allen with nine followers to worship in a stable in the 900 block of Parrish Street for over a year. After worshipping there, Rev. Williams changed from the AME denomination and became a Baptist. He was baptized by the very distinguished Rev. Harvey Johnson, who was the pastor of the Union Baptist Church on Druid Hill Avenue. Rev. William’s church was immediately organized as the fourth Baptist church in the state of Maryland.

Rev. Williams mortgaged his home on Bruce Street. He built a small frame church at a cost of $3,000. The church stood in front of the beautiful Perkins Spring Square, but was dedicated as Perkins Square Baptist Church.

The old Perkins Square, once located on the corner of George and Ogston streets, was the first stone church ever erected in “Charm City”. In later years, Perkins Square became the first Negro church to install electricity. The stone church was built in 1892.

Some of the churches that emanated from Perkins Square were Enon, Ebenezer, and the Abyssinian Baptist Churches. Perkins Square and other negro churches were confronted with man problems in the early days.

The very active and well organized Sunday School was rated in 1924 by Crisis Magazine. Perkins Square’s Sunday was rated one of the most outstanding of all the Baptist churches in America.

The church prospered for fifty years under the leadership of Rev. Frank R. Williams until his health began to weaken. Rev. Ward D. Yerby became the assistant pastor of the church, on January 6, 1929, during the illness of Rev. Williams. Rev. Yerby was installed as pastor of Perkins Square Baptist Church on January 5, 1930. Under his leadership, the church grew spiritually, numerically, and financially.

Perkins Square is called “The Friendly Church” because of the polite manner in which visitors are welcomed and treated regardless of denomination.

Perkins Square’s first female trustee was Mrs. Marguerite M. Saunders. Trustee Inez L. Lucas founded the Ladies Guild and was known for her working in the kitchen, especially her roll making.

The church changed its location from George and Ogston Streets to Edmondson and Warwick Avenues in May of 1957. Rev. and Mrs. Yerby, officers, members, and invited guests, gathered on that beautiful Sunday morning at 11 am. The joyful group began the 1.7 mile trip, from the old church, walking and by motorcade to the present edifice.

Since we have been in our new sanctuary, many changes have taken place, but the spiritual and inspiration growth have continued. In 1972, Rev. Ward Yerby submitted his resignation as pastor 41 years due to his illness. Coupled with his resignation was. Request that he be made Pastor Emeritus, in November 1971 at the fall church meeting. His request was accepted unanimously by the church.

The following persons received license to preach: Deacon William M. Berry, Brothers Wilbur Ward, Isadore Oliver, William Humphrey, and William H. Yerby, Deaconesses Harriet Gray, Irene Winckler, Julia Thomas, Susan Causion, and Tracie Williams. Young men who have been licensed and ordained: Reverends James Porter, James Robison, Thomas Smith, Wesley Veney, and Theodore Fickling.

On February 22, 1972, Reverend Richard H. Ogle, IV was installed as the third pastor to serve in that position. Rev. Ogle served as pastor of Perkins Square Baptist Church for eighteen years. He was a gifted musician who masterfully played the piano and organ. A “Soup Kitchen” was organized under the direction of Rev. Richard H. Ogle, IV. It went into operation on April 4, 1990. Since its inception, the Soup Kitchen has served over 10,000 meals.

The late Trustee Bessie W. Wilson desired that upon her death a scholarship in her name be set up through the Church to aid college and Christian Education students. This fund was set up in 1989.

In November 1990, Rev. Ogle submitted resignation to the church due to illness. During the time of Rev. Ogle’s illness and the selection of a pastor, Rev. Theodore Fickling served as assistant pastor to Perkins Square Baptist Church.

On September 11, 1991, five months after the demise of Rev. Ogle, the pulpit committee presented Perkins Square with the name of a new minister, Rev. Cleveland T.A. Mason, II from Mount Enon Missionary Baptist Church in Southeast Washington, DC. Where he has pastored successfully for five years.

Pastor Mason is a native of Baltimore, MD and was a devout member of the New Shiloh Baptist Church located on Monroe Street and Clifton Avenues. Pastor Mason is married to the former F. Sheilda Greenhill. They are the proud parents of three children: two sons and a daughter.