On April 16, 1803, five men and seven women of Back Lick Church in Fairfax County ask that they be "dismissed agreeably...to be constituted into a regular Baptist Church in the town of Alexandria."  Their request is approved, and several days later, on April 22, the twelve sign a covenant, stating that "humbly desiring to be constituted into a regular church, hoping it may be for the glory of God...do hereby as in the presence of His Supreme Majesty, solemnly unite as a regular society to worship Him and promote His ordinances, maintain His truth and endeavor to promote His Glory in the world."  The group, with $1,988.87 borrowed from a charter member, Alexander Smith, erect a humble meeting house and  Jeremiah Moore is called as their first pastor.

Moore was one of the most prominent traveling preachers of his day.  In the late 1760s he converted to the Baptist cause from the established Church of England.  During the early years of his ministry, it was illegal to preach any doctrine not conforming to the tenets of the Church of England.  Moore was jailed for preaching in Alexandria.  Undeterred, Moore preached to huge crowds from the jail windows.  When he was finally brought to trial, he was defended by Patrick Henry, a vigorous proponent of religious liberty.  Henry is reported to have said, "Great God, gentlemen! A man in prison for preaching the gospel of the Son of God?" Moore was set free. He later wrote of the experience, "I have felt the effects of the ecclesiastical establishment and have been told by the Judge from his seat 'you shall lay in jail until you rot' when my only crime was no other than that of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ."

Thomas Jefferson gives $50 to Alexander Smith "for a Baptist church in Alexandria."

Spencer Houghton Cone becomes FBCA's third pastor, succeeding John Paradise. A former actor and soldier, Cone's inspired preaching helps grow the congregation to over 300, leading to his being called to a church in New York City, where he becomes one of the preeminent pastors in the young United States. 

After years of petitioning by Cone and other Baptist ministers for a university in the District of Columbia, President James Monroe signs an Act of Congress creating Columbian College, which later becomes George Washington University. Early leaders of FBCA are active as trustees of the new institution.

When fire destroys the First Baptist Church building in Alexandria, Pastor Samuel Cornelius tours the South on horseback to raise money to help build a new church.

A growing dispute over missionary activities splits the church into two factions, one opposing any efforts toward evangelism and the other group supporting the spreading of the Gospel.  For a time, the anti-missionary members occupy the church building, forcing the pro-missionary group and the pastor to meet across the street in the Lyceum.  A court decision settles the matter in favor of the pro-missionary group.  Slowly, spirits heal and the church reunites.

A new and larger church building is erected at 212 South Washington Street.

FBC Alexandria celebrates its centennial.

FBCA adds more than 600 members during the time that Dr. Eugene B Jackson is pastor.  

Members of FBCA are instrumental in the formation of the Mount Vernon Baptist Association, which later becomes the NorthStar Church Network.

Fulfilling the vision of Dr. Ernest F. Campbell, FBCA purchases land on King Street for the construction of a new church building. In 1952, ground is broken and in May, 1954, after 101 years in its Washington Street location, the congregation holds the first worship service in their new home.  

An education wing is added on the south side of the building.

The new Faith Activities Center opens.

FBCA celebrates its 200th anniversary.

Following an extensive renovation, and in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the new sanctuary and the newly redesigned children's area open.