On May 1, 2023, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church transitioned to a mask-optional policy. Masks are not required anywhere in the church.

Our decision to move to a mask-optional policy was based on reports of continuously low levels of COVID-19 in the District of Columbia and surrounding area, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The District of Columbia also no longer requires that masks be worn in most settings.

Nineteenth Street is a mask-friendly church. Anyone who prefers to wear a mask at the church should feel comfortable continuing to do so.

We recognize that some may not be ready to attend church services and activities without the mask requirement. We hope they will take advantage of our online and conference call opportunities for worship, study, prayer, and ministry.

What You Need to Know

COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended and encouraged but are no longer required to attend Nineteenth Street’s in-person church services or activities.
Masks are not required in any part of the church. The CDC still recommends that higher-risk individuals wear masks in large groups. Higher-risk individuals include:
older people
those who are immunocompromised
people with certain disabilities (due to underlying medical conditions, congregate living settings, or systemic health and social inequities)
people with serious underlying chronic medical conditions.
We will continue to monitor local levels of COVID-19 and modify our protocols when needed.
COVID-19 is airborne, and distancing reduces infection. We encourage social distancing whenever possible.
The fellowship hall will be open for sit-down and buffet-style meals. Most meals will be pre-plated.
Ministries and other small groups may resume meeting in personat the church.
The church nursery has reopened.

What To Expect When Worshiping with Us

We are a hybrid church.
- Join our morning worship service in person or online via our YouTubelivestream or conference call number 605-472-5349 Access Code 348952#
- Join our Youth Church services in person or online via Zoom. Click here for details.
- Join our Church School classes in person or online via Zoom. Click here for details.
We’ve modified some elements of worship.
- Communion: On Communion Sunday, pick up your Communion elements in the foyer as you enter the sanctuary. Those worshiping virtually are welcome to call and stop by the church office to pick up Communion kits during the week before first Sunday.
- Giving: Tithes and offerings can be given online, by mail, or by placing them in the offering basket as you enter or depart the sanctuary.
- Prayer: Worshipers do not gather at the altar but will remain at their seats.
- Shared items: Bibles and hymnals have been returned to the pews.
We continue to follow enhanced cleaning, disinfecting, and ventilation procedures.
- Hand sanitizer stations have been placed throughout the church.
- The church is cleaned and disinfected each month. The sanctuary is cleaned and disinfected after each use. High-touch areas are disinfected regularly.
- The ventilation system has been maximized to increase the amount of outdoor air circulated throughout the building, and air filters have been upgraded.
We request that you notify us of positive tests.
- If you test positive for COVID-19 shortly after being on church premises, please notify the church office at 202-829-2773 as soon as possible so that we can take appropriate actions.
We ask that you not attend in person if you are not feeling well.
- If you have symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, please refer to the CDC links below and join us virtually when appropriate.

If you have questions, please contact the church office at office@19thstreetbc.org or 202-829-2773. Thank you for your efforts to keep everyone safe and healthy.

For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website:

Symptoms of COVID-19
What to Do If You Were Exposed to COVID-19
Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccination