Fourth Street Church Celebrates Mortgage Burning

The Fourth Street Friendship Church Family achieved a remarkable milestone on November 22, 2025. This was a day of worship, praise, thanksgiving, uplifting music, dedication and mortgage burning. It was not a day of disappointment, as it was on October 22, 1844 for the small group of Adventists in their robes on ascension rock at William Millers Farm, in Whitehall New York. 

“This small inner city congregation in our nations capitol, 1611 Fourth Street NW., Washington DC, dedicated a debt free worship center, to the glory of God, in contrast to many churches that are closed, boarded up or repurposed in the city. Burning the mortgage on a $1.6 million worship center was a day of solemn rejoicing and thanksgiving for every faithful member of the congregation. Everyone pushing in the same direction heavenward, we are debt free at last.”

Two paintings in the lobby of the sanctuary were unveiled depicting The vision and mission of our church; Christ of The Narrow Way by artist Elfred Lee, and The Blessed Hope by artist Nathan Green. We are the church of the narrow way with the blessed hope in every members heart.

Larry Crews from the White Estate at the General Conference, 

Dr. Trevor Kinlock, President and Elder Lawrance Martin CFO, of the Allegheny East Conference, along with former Pastors Colin Brathwaite and Tinashe Mkorombindo were also present.

Dr. Kenneth Anderson, under whose leadership ground breaking took place, September 23, 2006 preached an outstanding and encouraging message.  “Jesus Paid It All,” we're all free from the debt of sin, the lean against us has been paid through Jesus’ death on Calvary. We can now make a joyful noise in celebration as we are debt free individually and as a congregation.  

Submitted by Dr. Glenford Baxter