The Rev. Dr. Keith W. Byrd, Sr.

A native Washingtonian, Rev. Dr. Keith W. Byrd, Sr., is Pastor of the historic Zion Baptist Church in Northwest, Washington D.C. He was called as the church’s ninth pastor in January 2006. Dr. Byrd was both licensed and ordained at the First Baptist Church, Inc. of North Brentwood, Maryland under the pastorate of the late Rev. Perry A. Smith, III.

Dr. Byrd is a gifted preacher, teacher and leader. With God’s guidance and Dr. Byrd’s visionary leadership, Zion desires to be a family church, empowered by the love of Christ, to serve the family of God. He has established and expanded several ministries at Zion as well as overseen several church renovations and technology upgrades. In 2020, Dr. Byrd successfully led Zion in a merger with the New Creation Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland resulting in Zion as one church in two locations.  Currently, Zion is planning to develop 60 units of luxury senior housing in the Crestwood community where the church is located. Under Pastor Byrd’s leadership, Zion continues to grow spiritually and numerically.

Dr. Byrd is deeply involved in denominational engagement. His current denominational leadership includes:

• Progressive National Baptist Convention, National First Vice-President
• Baptist Convention of DC and Vicinity, President
• D.C. Baptist Convention, member
• Missionary Baptist Minister’s Conference of DC and Vicinity, member

Dr. Byrd received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Maryland at College Park, a Master of Divinity Degree from the Howard University School of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry Degree in Church Leadership from the Wesley Theological Seminary.

He is supported in life and ministry by his wife Kimberly O. Byrd, and together they have two sons, Keith, Jr. and Kevin.