Gospelbound The Extraordinary, Ordinary Church on Capitol Hill
Apr 15, 2025
Caleb Morrell, an assistant pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church and author of A Light on the Hill, shares insights into the church’s impactful history in Washington, D.C. He highlights the surprising influence of ordinary individuals like founder Celestia Ferris, who made extraordinary contributions. The discussion also covers racial integration efforts through figures like Margaret Roy and emphasizes the vital elements of prayer, community, and perseverance that sustain a vibrant church. Morrell reveals how local churches can transform communities.
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God Surprises Through Ordinariness
- Capitol Hill Baptist Church's impact is surprising because it comes from ordinary people faithfully serving God.
- God delights in using the seemingly foolish and ordinary to achieve extraordinary gospel fruit.
Celestia Ferris: Founding Prayer Seed
- Celestia Ferris, a washerwoman and widow, started a prayer meeting that led to the church's founding.
- Her faithfulness in ordinary life was the mustard seed for Capitol Hill Baptist Church's growth.
Margaret Roy Integrates Church
- Margaret Roy was the first African-American member who integrated CHBC in 1969.
- She killed hostility with kindness and proved racial unity in Christ even amid difficult racial tensions.