The Downtown Baptist Church of Alexandria was organized on June 15, 1954, with two objectives – to maintain a Southern Baptist Church in downtown Alexandria and to preserve the oldest Baptist edifice in the city. Originally built in 1803 by the Alexandria Baptist Society, the church sanctuary building was rebuilt in 1830, following its destruction by fire. During the Civil War, the Union Troops interrupted a worship service to take over the church for use as a hospital.

The plan for the establishment of the church originated early in 1954. Aware that First Baptist Church was moving to a new location on King Street, a small group of Baptist decided that the downtown section of Alexandria should not be without a Southern Baptist witness. On the date of organization, there were 61 charter members, but the list quickly grew to 125 before it was formally closed. The assets of the group initially consisted only of large amounts of faith and enthusiasm. However, with personal loans from the members, assistance from Virginia Baptists, and cooperation of a local bank, the sanctuary building was bought back from the contractor into whose hands it had fallen for $76,500. It was then necessary to completely refurnish the church with pews, organ, office furniture, communion service, offering plates, hymnals and many other items. With generous help from members and friends, this was done rapidly. In a short time, it became apparent that the educational building was needed to effectively carry out an adequate ministry program, so this building was rented. In 1957, it was purchased at a cost of $125,000. Renovation and redecoration of the property became a community project. The enthusiasm of members as well as non-members of various faiths who assisted in the work was such that it was accomplished in a remarkably brief period.

Chaplain James Kelly, formerly Rear Admiral and Chief of Navy Chaplains, now retired, first filled the pulpit of Downtown Baptist. The first full-time pastor was the Reverend Eslie Phillips who served from 1955 to 1961. He was succeeded by the Reverend Jack Coffey who served until 1967. In August 1967, the Reverend Don Bowen accepted the pastorate of the church and served for 30 years until his retirement in August 1997. At that time, the Reverend Dale Seley was called as the fifth pastor of the Downtown Baptist Church and he served until July 2009.  Under the leadership of Pastor Seley, the church expanded ministries and we saw growth in our membership, especially amoung families with young children, youth, and young adults.

During our 50 years, God has led the Downtown family to become a diverse, close-knit community which seeks to minister to people from all walks of life. Our mission is to love God, love others, and make disciples. The DBC family seeks to fulfill our calling by striving to be “caring people….close at hand.” From the historic, old site at 212 S. Washington Street, the gospel light continues to shine forth – for the glory of God.