Church History

On January 23, 1972, sixty five spirit-filled Christians who were former members of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Seattle, Washington were compelled to organize a new church as a place of worship.

As the Lord directed them a call was extended to Dr. B.A. Taylor, former Pastor of Tabernacle to serve as Pastor of our newly organized Damascus Baptist Church. He accepted on February 20, 1972 and we were incorporated by the State of Washington on February 23, 1972.

One of the outreach plans for the church was a Pre-School and Child Care Center, which began in the lower level of our church during our first year. As the Lord blessed this outreach program, in 1976 we purchased a larger, 12,600 square foot facility, two blocks north at 5237 Rainier Avenue South. This building also serves as the church's Educational Center.

Under Pastor Taylor's leadership in 1988, we purchased additional properties adjacent to the Educational Center with a vision to build a new Sanctuary. A Capital Stewardship Campaign Ministry was inaugurated in 1991. Through God's blessings, we observed our Ground Breaking Ceremony on October 24, 1993. Construction began September 20, 1995 and we marched into the new sanctuary of Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, 5261 Rainier Avenue South on Sunday morning April 14, 1996.

Dr. B. A. Taylor served as Pastor of Damascus Baptist Church faithfully for 28 years. He planned to retire March 31, 2000. The Lord called him home January 20, 200 while on vacation with his wife Lucy in Dayton Beach, Florida.

We thank God for sending us a dynamic preacher and teacher who demonstrated his commitment to carry out God's work through his ministry as Pastor of Damascus Missionary Baptist Church in Seattle, Washington.

From January 2000 to May 2001, Dr. O.J. Moore functioned as Interim Pastor. He faithfully fulfilled his duties with integrity and character until he was released of his duties in June 2001.

On June 10, 2001 the Damascus Baptist Church Family called Minister P.J. Oliver to serve as the second Pastor of Damascus Baptist Church. Under the leadership of Pastor Oliver the Leadership Council was formed. The church mission statement was established, the church constitution revised and a Spring Christian Education Institute was launched.

ON November 6, 2005, Reverend James P. Broughton, III was called to serve as the third Pastor of Damascus Baptist Church. Under Pastor Broughton's leadership, the Damascus family has grown spiritually and numerically as we continue to strive to be a Christ-centered and Spirit-driven fellowship. This is done through relevant sermons, personal and corporate prayer, and Bible study, heart felt worship and loving fellowship.

A vision statement was established, called "Loving, Lifting, Learning, Living and Looking." Through this tenure we are re-examining our ministry priorities and pursuits in light of the Great Commission as commanded by our Lord in Matthew 28.

In building on the foundation laid by Dr. B.A. Taylor, Pastor Broughton continues the emphasis on ministry to the community and congregation through education, health and mission.

We believe Damascus Baptist Church has yet to unleash her potential and fulfill her calling to the Columbia/Hillman City Community. Now in its fourth decade of faithful service to God, church and community, Damascus Baptist Church continues to seek out ways to be a "Loving and Lifting Fellowship."

Visit us at Damascus Baptist Church. We look forward to helping you grow in Christ!

Rev. James P. Broughton, III Senior Pastor
Damascus Baptist Church