Tried Stone is a strong, vibrant and growing church. Whereas a body of believers, we strive to enhance one’s physical and spiritual relationship with the Lord.

Mission/Theme

"A City that is set on a hill cannot be hid." – Matthew 5:14

Denomination

Apostolic

Beliefs

Tried Stone Church is a place where those fallen can be forgiven, those that are mistreated can be loved and for those seeking shelter in the time of a storm can refuge for their souls.

  • We believe the Bible is the inspired and infallible Word of God
  • We believe that Jesus is God incarnated in the flesh.
  • We believe that the water baptism and the regeneration by the Holy Ghost are absolutely essential for personal salvation.
  • We believe that divine healing is provided through the redemptive work of Christ on the Cross to believer.
  • We believe in the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost with the manifestations of the fruit of the spirit.

Church History

The Tried Stone Church had its beginning in February 1941 with five members, Bishop Henry Williams, his wife, Sister Violet Williams, Mother Florence Dickenson, Brother and Sister Harry Dickenson and Brother Alonzo Pearson.

After much planning and searching, Bishop Williams found a building for rent located at 304 Q Street NW, Washington, DC. The building was comprised of two apartments on the upper level and a church furnished with pews, pulpit, and a piano on the main floor. As Bishop Williams entered the building he was encouraged by the voice of the Lord saying "And Behold I Set Before Thee An Open Door And No Man Can Shut It." (Revelation 3:8). These words had been a source of inspiration and courage in his dark hours. The building on Q Street was offered for sale in 1944 and the church decided to purchase it.

The Tried Stone Church of Christ joined the Bible Way Church organization in 1963, of which Apostle Smallwood E. Williams was the Presiding Bishop. After becoming a part of the Bible Way Church organization, Bishop Henry Williams held many offices, among them, District Elder, Assistant Diocesan to Apostle Smallwood E. Williams and a member of both the Executive and General Board of Bishops.

The membership experienced tremendous growth during the Sixties as the Lord continued blessing Tried Stone. When the building could no longer accommodate its worshippers, the church considered purchasing larger quarters.

In the early months of 1971, Bishop Williams was informed of a building for sale in Southeast Washington which had been a Jewish Synagogue address 417 9th Street, SE. Through the miraculous operation of God, the building was acquired and dedicated.

For 20 years, Bishop Williams sponsored Live Radio Broadcasts. His tapes were broadcasted over most of the Eastern United States and heard by more than 15,000,000 English speaking people in 17 other countries. Bishop Williams was known near and far as the "Let My Soul Live Preacher."

Bishop Henry Williams went to be with the Lord on April 19, 1988. His advice to his family before passing was for them to hold to God’s unchanging hand-hold the light and hold to your integrity. He indeed fought a good fight and he finished his course (2 Tim. 4:5-8). Bishop Williams gave so much to all who knew him personally or casually. His wisdom, counseling, guidance, and advice shall live on. He indeed became a living Epistle (2 Cor. 3:2-5).

After the death of Bishop Henry Williams, Elder Leroy Cousar was installed as pastor by Apostle Smallwood E. Williams in 1988 until the spring of 1994. Elder Charles Nash was appointed Interim Pastor from 1994 until 1996. Bishop Floyd E. Nelson was appointed Interim Pastor from 1996 to 1997. Elder Jerome Moore was appointed Interim Pastor from 1997 to 1998. Facing many obstacles and challenges the Tried Stone Church of Christ appointed Elder James A. Barley as the Interim Pastor in 1998. After serving two years as the Interim Pastor, Elder Barley’s appointment as Pastor was overwhelmingly ratified by the membership in 2000 where he continues preaching and teaching God’s word. Elder Barley remains committed to winning souls for Kingdom of God.