Our Pastor

In 2009, Rev. Marcellous Ridgeway answered God’s call to serve as pastor of Brookland Union Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Since then, he and the congregation have continued to strengthen their walk with Christ, nurturing a shared commitment to spreading the Good News and building the Kingdom of God through prayer, outreach, Bible study, worship, and fellowship.

Pastor Ridgeway looks ahead with great anticipation, eager to support and strengthen the ministries of Brookland Union for greater service to both the church and the world.

A native of Chatom, Alabama, Pastor Ridgeway was educated in the local public school system. He accepted his call to ministry while attending Alabama State University and was ordained to the gospel ministry in 1987 by Lilly Grove Baptist Church.

Before coming to Brookland Union, Pastor Ridgeway served faithfully for 12 years as pastor of First Baptist Church in Winchester, Kentucky. In addition to his pastoral work, he built a distinguished career in public service, serving as a social services worker with the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services and later as a Regional Manager with the Kentucky Department for Juvenile Justice.

His commitment to service also includes military experience with both the Alabama Army National Guard and the U.S. Army Reserve.

Pastor Ridgeway holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services from Alabama State University. He has pursued theological studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Louisville, and earned a Master of Divinity degree from Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky.

He has been blessed with the loving partnership of First Lady Karen Brown Ridgeway for 37 years. Together, they are the proud parents of four adult children and the joyful grandparents of seven grandchildren.

Mrs. Karen Brown Ridgeway, wife of Pastor Marcellous D. Ridgeway and affectionally referenced as the First Lady of Brookland Union Baptist Church serves the church with all honor, dignity, and respect.  She has devoted countless hours to the enrichment of the Church while working side by side with the Pastor. She has on occasions served in leading the message of the goodness and righteousness of God through her walk with Christ. She is a member of the Christian Education programs and services that attest to her commitment to serve in any role when called upon. Most importantly, she honors her God through her voice that resonates her true belief in the spiritual acumen that she has been given by God, her master and Savior. She is a resolute servant to her craft and follows the anointing spirit of God upon her. 

As a baptized, born-again Christian, First Lady Karen is on a mission at Brookland Union Baptist Church to serve God first and family as one. Her presence is a divine indication that she will continually help within the church to fulfill the great Commission of her calling. She exemplifies the scripture as written in Proverbs 31 by her dedication and love for the church.

She along with Pastor Ridgeway are the proud parents of four adult children and seven grandchildren.