Crusaders Baptist Church History

In September 1980, Evangelistic Crusaders Baptist Mission (ECBM, now called Crusaders Baptist Church was founded by Rev. Leroy Harris.  The church was located at 4202 Edson Place, N.E. Washington, D.C.

On Sunday, September 21, 1980, the first Sunday service was held.  The sermon was delivered by Rev. Richard Christian of First Baptist Church ofHighbridge, Laurel, Maryland.  The first prayer service was held on Friday, October 3, 1980, at 8:00 P.M. The first members joined on the same date.

The first elected officers were:

•         Leroy Harris, Pastor;

•         Sister Wilda Davis, Secretary;

•         Sister Iris Owens, Treasurer;

•         Sister Irene Noland, Financial Secretary; and

•         Sisters Lillie Harris, Sadie Eatman and Irene Noland, Trustees.

On October 5, 1980, the first Holy Communion was served and the first Sunday school was held. It was established that Holy Communion would be held the first Sunday of each month.

On October 12, 1980, the first Usher Board was formed.  The Usher Board with only six members was chaired by Sister Lillie Harris.

On Sunday, February 22, 1981, Sister Sadie Eatman was named "Mother" of ECBM. This first hymnal books were donated to ECBM by Sister Alexander of Congregational Methodist Church, Seat Pleasant, Maryland.

On September 18, 1981, ECBM celebrated its first anniversary. The week-long celebration ended on September 25, 1981.

In February 1982, Rev. Harris started a building fund drive. Each member contributed $10.00 to kick-off the rally.

On April 23, 1982, The Articles of Incorporation was filed with the Recorder of Deeds in Washington, DC to legally establish ECBM as a corporation.  The name of the church became Crusaders Baptist Mission (CBM).

On June 6, 1982, the CBM held its first Men's Day service.  The first Women's Day service was held on July 11, 1982.

On Sunday, February 12, 1984, Rev. Harris was called to his resting place. The last sermon he preached was from the book Philippians 4:13, " I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

After the death of Rev. Harris, there was a pause in the ministry.  There were two ministers who assisted with the ministry from 1984-1988. During this period CBM membership declined.

In 1989, CBM called on the leadership of Rev. Robert L. Wilson, Jr., son of Mount Sinai Baptist Church, Washington, DC. Rev. Wilson immediately became Pastor of the church. The church consisted of three members. Shortly after Pastor Wilson's arrival, he called on Rev. Alton W. Jordan, son of New Image Community Baptist Church, to serve as Assistant Pastor over the church Administrative Affairs. In January 1990, Rev. Jordan accepted the position. The church's ministry then consisted of Rev. Robert L. Wilson, Jr., Pastor, Rev. Jack Baxter and Rev. Alton W. Jordan. Sisters Marian Harris, Hazel McKay and Kelly Harris held a celebration in their honor.

Through the grace of God, the three ministers began their mission to establish various church programs.  They began by performing the prayer meeting, Bible Study, Evening Services and making administrative changes.  While these changes were occurring, Rev. Jack Baxter was called back to Enon Baptist Church to assist his Pastor. Rev. Wilson and Rev. Jordan continued to carry out the plans. The plans included developing church bulletins, reforming Sunday school, establishing a clothing ministry and buying Telecommunication (Telephone) service.

In December 1990, Rev. Robert L. Wilson, Jr., decided to step down for personal reasons after leading CBM to a congregation of five members.

In January 1991, Rev. Alton W. Jordan was voted in as Pastor by a majority of CBM members. Pastor Jordan's installation service was held in April 20, 1991, which began with a week-long fellowship with visiting ministers and choirs. All proceeds from the event went towards the building fund. The programs were video taped as well as the installation service. Shortly thereafter, Pastor Jordan began his mission.

Pastor Jordan began by modifying the By Laws of the church and legally changing the church's name to Crusaders Baptist Church (CBC). Pastor Jordan established the first Deacon Board. On January 26, 1992, Russell Wooten was ordained as CBC first deacon. Mary Daniels was the first deaconess. Rev. Jordan held the first Monday and Wednesday night Bible Studies; selected the Church Clerk, Assistant Clerk, Secretary, Church History Chairperson and Youth Director.  The Usher Board was reformed. He brought pulpit furniture, office and church furniture, including a piano, drum set, video camera equipment and copy machine. He also formed a youth, male and adult choir. Pastor Jordan established various programs and committees; such as the Youth Scholarship Fund, Church Picnic, Food Bank, Transportation Ministry, Home Work Study Program, Tutoring Program, Clothing and Community Outreach programs. Pastor Jordan not only preached the word at home (CBC), he traveled near and far to preside over other minister's anniversaries and programs.

The Lord continued to bless Pastor Jordan and the CBC family in amighty way. The Church's music ministry grew with musicians that included a base and lead guitarist, pianist/keyboard player and drummer.  Under the leadership of Pastor Jordan, the membership rapidly increased to over 100 members, of which thirty-five were baptized. Once the membership reached over 110 members, Pastor Jordan realized that the church was too small to accommodate its members. He began another mission to find a new church building to house the growing membership.  The Lord led him to Smothers Elementary School at 44^th and Brooks Streets, N.E., Washington, D.C.

On January 7, 1996, the church's first service was scheduled at Smothers Elementary School.  Unfortunately, due to bad weather (14 inches of snow) service was canceled. The first service and Holy Communion was held at Smothers on January 14, 1996 (Pastor Jordan's birthday)

On February 5, 1996, Pastor Jordan was selected as Pastor of the week.  This week-long recognition program was sponsored by radio station WYCB, radio announcer Winston Chaney. It was a fun tilled week for Pastor Jordan, After Pastor Jordan's on-air commentary, many old and new friends visited CBC to wish him well.

On June 9, 1996, Rev. Alton W. Jordan, received his Master of Divinity from Andersonville, Baptist Seminary.

In November 1996, Minister Sandra Buckhalter joined the Crusaders Baptist Family.

On March 20, 1997, Deacon Russell Wooten preached his initial sermon. Rev. Larry Powell, who had been with Crusaders for several years, was called to Free Hope Baptist to serve as Assistant Pastor. Pastor Jordan became Senior Pastor to Crusaders Baptist Church and Faith Tabernacle Church in Vincent, Ohio. On Sunday, June 21, 1997, Rev. Jordan received his Doctor of Ministry degree from Andersonville Baptist Seminary in the Nations Capital. The inaugural commencement exercise was held at St. Mary's Baptist Church. On October 12, 1997, Ezra Dickens was ordained as a deacon.   On Saturday, February 28, 1998, Minister Sandra Buckhalter was ordained as a Reverend Under Mutural Baptist Missionary Association at Solomons's Temple Church of God.

In 1999, many good things happened. The Pastor's theme was "We're Going to Shine in 99". We did shine. In January 1999, Crusaders Baptist Church licensed it first daughter, Angela Young, who has started her own church and now serves under another ministry. Minister Buckhalter was appointed to head the Women's Ministry at CBC. In March, CBC started a New Membership Class to teach new members about the Bible and how to study it. On April 10, 1999, Minister Russell Wooten was ordained and appointed as the Pastor of Faith Tabernacle Church in Vincent, Ohio. On April 18, 1999, Brother James A. Smith and Brother John L Humes were ordained as deacons. On May 23, 1999, Pastor Jordan and Rev. Wilson received their Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Education (Ph.D) degrees from Faith Bible College and Seminary.   The commencement exercise was held at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. In June 1999, Rev. Robert Wilson accepted the call to start his own church and Rev. Sandra Buckhalter went with him to become the Assistant Pastor. Pastor Jordan was invited to preach at Rightly Divided Word of Truth Church for the installation of Rev. Dr. Robert Wilson. On July 11, 1999.

Sister Ruby Starkey preached her initial sermon and on July 19, 1999, Brother Jevon Billups preached his initial sermon. Both were licensed.

In 2000, Pastor Jordan reorganized all the auxiliaries in the church into three major categories.  They were Men, Women, and Youth ministries.  This reorganization was implemented to include everyone in God's ministry work at CBC. In April, Pastor and his wife taught a "Relationship" seminar. On November 5, 2000, Brother Lavin Summers was ordained as a deacon; he now serves under another ministry.

In July 200 J, CBC purchased its first church building at 800 I Street, N.E., Washington, D. C. God has continued to bless us doing our Christian journey. Some said that we would not make it but we are still here because of God and the song that our Pastor sings "Can't nobody do me like Jesus." We held our first official service in September because we rented back to Solid Rock for a few months. Crusaders Baptist Church official move in date was September 23, 2001. Dedication services were held on October 31 and November 1, 2001.

In 2002, Pastor focused on beautifying God's house. There were many days and hours devoted to renovation work.  Thanks to God who grants us strength to endure, the work was completed. Our newly painted sanctuary; the fellowship hall, Pastor's Study, Trustee's office, kitchen, and the new conference and sound rooms were all completed. CBC held its first Leadership Training. As the Church grew, Pastor Jordan wanted to build stronger Leaders. He shared his vision of, "making disciples", and the church mission: To love, save, and nurture souls.

In 2003, Rev. Arlene Chambers headed CBC Women's Ministry as the overseer. She started the women's ministry bible and book studies.  Which is held every end Friday of the month.   Also to continue to build strong Leaders from 2002, Pastor Jordan held the Christian Education Director responsible for preparing agendas and scheduling, Leadership meetings every 5th Friday in the month. He also implemented a new election process to vote in new leaders every 2 years instead of every year. On November 30, 2003, Crusaders Baptist Church ordained Brother David Shelton as a deacon.

In 2004, the food ministry was expanded to include the SHARE program. Sister Kimberly Woods coordinated this program and training was conducted on February 21, 2004 at the SHARE warehouse.  The first food distribution was held in February 2004. On Saturday, April 1, 2004, Crusaders Baptist Church ordained its second son, Minister Jevon Billups. Rev. Billups is the Minister of Music, Youth Minister and teacher.  The Youth Department developed the church's current logo sign.  The church is currently implementing its new logo in places throughout the ministry. Brother Brian Johnson became a deacon in training in August 8, 2004.

Pastor Jordan will continue his crusade with future plans to expand the church Building; provide an interchange education program with community schools, start a yearly vacation Bible school; establish a drug and alcohol abuse program; provide greater support to an outreach program in Africa, and open a Family Life Center.