Alfred Street Baptist Church - A Community's Heartbeat
Alfred Street Baptist Church stands as a remarkable place of worship, a spot with a long, interesting past, and a very active present. This gathering place, you know, has roots that stretch back a good, long while, all the way to a time when the United States was still quite young. It began its story in the early 1800s, during a period when Thomas Jefferson was serving the country as its third president, a time of big changes and growth for the young nation. This church, in some respects, has seen so much history unfold right around it, becoming a central part of life for many people in Alexandria, Virginia, and beyond.
Back in those early days, people who followed the Baptist faith in northern Virginia would typically gather for their worship services at a place called Backlick Baptist Church, which was located on Little River Turnpike. Things were a little different then, with communities often forming around these important spiritual centers. Yet, as time went on, and as the needs of the people changed, a desire for a closer, more local place to come together started to grow among some of the members.
So, it's almost as if a new chapter began for a group of these worshippers. In April of 1803, people who lived in Alexandria, Virginia, made the decision to separate from the Backlick congregation. They wanted to form their very own group, which they called the Alexandria Baptist Society. This was a pretty big step, a real act of faith and community building, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the Alfred Street Baptist Church we know today.
Table of Contents
- Where Did Alfred Street Baptist Church Begin?
- A Place for Worship and Spiritual Growth at Alfred Street Baptist Church
- Connecting with the Alfred Street Baptist Church Community
- How Does Alfred Street Baptist Church Support Its Younger Members?
- Spreading Its Reach- Alfred Street Baptist Church and Community Care
- What Are the Ways to Contribute to Alfred Street Baptist Church?
- The Digital Side of Alfred Street Baptist Church
- A Look at the Leadership of Alfred Street Baptist Church
Where Did Alfred Street Baptist Church Begin?
The story of Alfred Street Baptist Church is a long one, going back a good ways to the year 1803. This was a time, you know, when the country was still quite new, and Thomas Jefferson was serving as the third president of the United States. It's a rather interesting detail, placing the church's beginnings right in the middle of a significant period in American history. Back then, people who followed the Baptist faith in the northern parts of Virginia would often go to worship at a place called Backlick Baptist Church. This church was situated on a road known as Little River Turnpike, and it served as a central spot for many in the area to gather for their spiritual needs.
However, as time went on, and as communities grew, there was a desire for a more local place of worship for those living in Alexandria, Virginia. So, in April of 1803, a group of members from Alexandria made a decision to step out and form their own separate congregation. They called this new group the Alexandria Baptist Society. This step was, in a way, a founding moment, a starting point for what would eventually become the Alfred Street Baptist Church. It shows a real spirit of community and a desire to build something special right in their own neighborhood, which is pretty cool to think about.
The current home of Alfred Street Baptist Church is in a lovely part of town, known as Old Town. You can find it at 301 South Alfred Street, right there in Alexandria, Virginia, with the zip code 22314. It's quite a well-known spot, and many people from all over come to visit. To make it easy for folks to get there, the church offers a shuttle service. This shuttle, as a matter of fact, provides free rides from the King Street Metro Station directly to the church, which is a very helpful thing for those using public transport.
- Toy Shack Las Vegas
- Golden Retriever Puppies
- Sharper Image
- Simone Biles Floor Routine
- When Is Memorial Day 2025
The shuttle runs every 20 minutes on Sundays, starting bright and early at 7:00 a.m. This thoughtful arrangement helps ensure that people can arrive comfortably and on time for the services, making it simpler to be a part of the church's activities. It really speaks to the church's commitment to welcoming everyone, making sure that getting there isn't a hurdle. So, if you're ever thinking of visiting, getting there is, you know, made pretty straightforward.
A Place for Worship and Spiritual Growth at Alfred Street Baptist Church
Alfred Street Baptist Church is a place where many people come together for worship, and it's quite a busy spot, too. They offer a number of services throughout the week, catering to a growing number of attendees. On Sundays, for example, you can join them for service at 8:00 a.m. and again at 11:00 a.m. These times are set up to give people options, allowing more folks to participate in the spiritual gatherings. It's a good way, you know, to make sure everyone has a chance to be part of the community.
Beyond the Sunday services, the church is quite active, offering four worship services across both Saturday and Sunday. This means there are plenty of opportunities for people to connect and grow in their faith. It's a church that truly seems to be growing, attracting more and more people who are looking for a place to belong and to explore their spiritual path. They really focus on helping people discover what God might have in store for them, which is a pretty powerful idea.
The heart of Alfred Street Baptist Church's message is all about love. It describes itself as a church that is in love with God, in love with life, and in love with people. This kind of message, you know, resonates with many, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It suggests a community that is not just about rituals, but about genuine connection and care for one another, which is something many people are looking for in a spiritual home.
For those who can't make it to the physical location, Alfred Street Baptist Church also offers virtual worship services. For instance, on November 17, 2024, there was a virtual worship service available, allowing people to participate from wherever they were. This is a very helpful way to keep everyone connected, especially for those who might live far away or have other reasons for not being able to attend in person. They even have live streams of their 11 a.m. and 8 a.m. worship services, making it easy to watch from home.
Connecting with the Alfred Street Baptist Church Community
Staying in touch with the Alfred Street Baptist Church community is pretty straightforward, actually. One simple way to keep up with what's happening is to sign up for their eblast. This is a regular email update that keeps members and friends informed about upcoming events, news, and other important messages from the church. It's a good way, you know, to make sure you don't miss out on anything important.
The church also places a good deal of importance on Christian education and spiritual enrichment. They offer various programs and activities designed to help people learn more about their faith and grow spiritually. This could involve classes, study groups, or special workshops, all aimed at providing opportunities for deeper understanding and personal development. It's a very thoughtful approach to supporting the spiritual journey of their members.
For the younger members of the community, there's a special focus on children and youth events. The church has a calendar dedicated to these activities, making it easy for families to see what's available for their kids. These events are designed to be engaging and supportive, helping young people connect with their faith and with each other in a fun and meaningful way. It's pretty clear they put a lot of effort into nurturing the next generation.
The main office for Alfred Street Baptist Church is located at the same address as the church itself: 301 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. If you need to get in touch with them directly, you can use their office number, which is provided for general inquiries and assistance. This central point of contact makes it easy for anyone with questions or needs to reach out to the church staff.
How Does Alfred Street Baptist Church Support Its Younger Members?
Alfred Street Baptist Church has a dedicated person who helps look after the needs of its younger members, which is pretty important. Denzel Goodlin serves as the assistant to the pastor for youth. This role means he plays a key part in guiding and supporting the children and young adults within the church community. It's a position that requires a good deal of care and understanding, helping young people find their way in faith and life.
Before taking on this specific role at Alfred Street Baptist Church, Rev. Goodlin had other experiences in ministry. He served as the senior pastor of St. Stephen African Methodist Episcopal Church, which is located in Liberty, North Carolina. This background, you know, gives him a solid foundation in church leadership and working with congregations. It shows he has a good deal of experience in helping people, especially young ones, grow in their spiritual understanding.
His work involves making sure that the youth programs are not only fun but also meaningful, providing spaces where young people can learn, ask questions, and build connections with others who share their faith. This kind of support is very helpful for young people as they navigate their formative years, giving them a strong sense of community and guidance. So, he's basically there to help the youth thrive within the church family.
Spreading Its Reach- Alfred Street Baptist Church and Community Care
Alfred Street Baptist Church is not just focused on what happens within its own walls; it also reaches out to help others in the wider world. They work on developing partnerships both within the country and with groups in other nations. This means they are involved in efforts that extend beyond their local community, showing a commitment to making a positive difference on a larger scale. It's a very broad way, you know, of living out their mission.
One really good example of their community care is how they help provide food for those in need. A blessing, or a special contribution, from Alfred Street Baptist Church will go towards giving fresh fruits, vegetables, and meals that are ready to eat to 200 people. This support is planned to last for 10 weeks, which is a pretty significant period of time, offering ongoing help to many families. It's a very practical way to show care and support for their neighbors.
This kind of outreach shows that being a church is about more than just gathering for services. It's about actively participating in the community and offering real, tangible help where it's needed. They understand that the work of the church doesn't just happen on Sundays or within the church building itself, but rather it extends into the everyday lives of people, both near and far. That's a pretty important aspect of their mission.
What Are the Ways to Contribute to Alfred Street Baptist Church?
If you feel moved to support the work of Alfred Street Baptist Church, there are a couple of straightforward ways to make a financial contribution. You can set up an automatic draft, also known as an ACH payment, from your bank account. This is a convenient way to give regularly without having to remember to do it each time. It’s a pretty common method for giving, actually, and it makes things easy for everyone involved.
Another option for contributing is to use a debit card. The church provides a secure, online method for this, which means your financial information is kept safe when you make a payment. This online option is very helpful for people who prefer to manage their giving digitally, making it accessible from wherever they are. It’s a good way, you know, to ensure that supporting the church is as simple and safe as possible.
For those who are not members of Alfred Street Baptist Church but are experiencing some trouble when trying to make a donation, the church has a way to help. You can get in touch with them by sending an email to giving@alfredstreet.org. This contact point is there to provide assistance and sort out any issues you might be having with the giving process, ensuring that everyone who wants to contribute can do so without a hitch.
The Digital Side of Alfred Street Baptist Church
Alfred Street Baptist Church makes good use of digital tools to keep its community connected, which is quite helpful in this day and age. They have an official YouTube channel, for example, where you can find many of their messages and services. This channel is a great way for people to stay connected with the church, especially if they can't attend in person, or if they want to revisit a particular message. The channel is overseen by their pastor, the Rev. Dr. Matthew Watley, who is a central figure in their spiritual guidance.
The church also uses a system called Realm to help serve its community better. Realm is a tool that helps the church manage its operations and keep people connected between Sundays. It’s basically a way for everyone to stay in touch, no matter where they are or what time it is, right from their mobile devices. This means you can get updates, connect with groups, and generally stay informed about church life, which is very convenient.
Realm helps everyone get involved in the life of the church by supporting the healthy connections that are so important to the church's overall mission. It helps people build relationships, which are key to a thriving community. So, it's not just about managing information; it's about making sure people feel connected and supported, which is a pretty big deal for any church.
It’s interesting to note that being the church doesn't just happen at the church building itself. The use of tools like Realm really highlights this idea. It shows that the community and its activities can extend beyond physical walls, allowing people to participate and feel a part of things even when they are not physically present. This kind of flexibility is, you know, very valuable in keeping a large and active congregation together.
A Look at the Leadership of Alfred Street Baptist Church
The leadership at Alfred Street Baptist Church plays a very important role in guiding the congregation and carrying out the church's mission. The official YouTube channel, for example, mentions that their pastor is the Rev. Dr. Matthew Watley. He is the main spiritual leader, responsible for delivering messages, providing guidance, and overseeing the various activities of the church. His presence helps shape the direction and spirit of the entire community.
Beyond the lead pastor, there are other key individuals who help manage specific areas of the church. As mentioned earlier, Denzel Goodlin serves as the assistant to the pastor for youth. His role is specifically focused on the younger members, making sure they have the support and programs they need to grow in their faith. This kind of specialized leadership helps ensure that all parts of the congregation are well cared for.
The church also works to develop national and international partnerships, which suggests a broader vision for its work. This kind of outreach often requires leadership that can build relationships and coordinate efforts with various organizations and communities outside of their immediate area. It shows a commitment to making an impact that goes beyond their local neighborhood, which is pretty inspiring.
When you enter the Alfred Street Baptist Church worship experience, especially at a larger venue like EagleBank Arena, you are granting the church permission for something quite specific. You give them the right, though not the requirement, to photograph, film, and capture your image. This includes your likeness, whether on film or through any other method that exists now or might come about in the future. This is a pretty standard practice for large public events, allowing the church to share its services and reach a wider audience through various media. It's a way, you know, for them to document and share the experience with many more people.
This policy helps the church share its messages and events with a broader group, including those who watch online or through their official channels. It means that when you are part of their services, especially at these larger gatherings, you are also, in a way, contributing to their ability to reach out and connect with others. It's all part of how a modern church, you know, works to spread its message and build its community in today's world.
The article provides a detailed look into Alfred Street Baptist Church, covering its long history that goes back to 1803 when it started as the Alexandria Baptist Society. It talks about how the church has grown, now offering multiple worship services on Saturdays and Sundays, both in person at its Old Town Alexandria location and through virtual streams on its official YouTube channel. The church's commitment to community is clear, with details on its shuttle service, Christian education programs, and specific events for children and youth, led in part by the assistant to the pastor for youth, Denzel Goodlin. The piece also highlights the church's outreach efforts, like providing meals for those in need through community partnerships, and explains how digital tools like Realm help keep its members connected. Finally, it touches on how financial contributions can be made and the church's policy regarding media capture during worship experiences, all painting a picture of a dynamic and caring spiritual home.
- Nowadays Drink
- Frank Sheeran
- Happy Sunday Images
- Trump Security Clearance Suspension Perkins Coie
- Realtor Irina Alexander
Alfred Street Baptist Church Virtual Worship Service | Alfred Street
Alfred Street Baptist Church Virtual Worship Service | Alfred Street
Alfred Street Baptist Church | March Gladness | pastor | Alfred Street
