Washington Avenue Baptist Church, located at 729 North Washington in Springfield, Missouri, is significant under Criterion A in the areas of ETHNIC HERITAGE-BLACK and SOCIAL HISTORY, with local significance. As the oldest remaining African-;American church building in Springfield, Washington Avenue is an important historic resource that has served the active ministry of the worshipping 133-year old congregation since its construction in 1885. Under ETHNIC HERITAGE-;BLACK and SOCIAL HISTORY, it reflects the role of faith in the social and cultural development of the Springfield community and its African-American population during the post-slavery to pre-integration period. As they faced the trials of cultural and political institutions that oppressed and excluded them, African-Americans turned to their churches for leadership, comfort and hope. Reflected in the Washington Avenue Baptist Church building, their social and religious histories are convergent and provide significant insights to the past, present and future of whites and African-Americans in Springfield. The period of significance is determined to be 1885 to 1950, beginning at the date of construction and ending at the minimum age criterion.

Although the building retains substantial integrity of design, materials and craftsmanship, it is not judged to be currently significant under Criterion C in the area of ARCHITECTURE because of the prominent modern education wing added in 1986. However, if a relocation of the church were implemented, it would not include the addition. Significance under Criterion C in the area of ARCHITECTURE should be reconsidered at that time, contingent upon a sensitive restoration of the original building. - NRHP, date unknown