The historic building is a two-story brick structure with a gable roof and large stained glass window.

Clem Robinson had been born in Brunswick County, Virginia, but moved to Pennsylvania where he received both a collegiate and religious education at Ashmun Institute (now Lincoln University) and began a teaching career.

It was not until Alexandria's occupation by Federal troops at the start of the Civil War in May 1861, that Robinson felt it was safe to return to Virginia.

Robinson taught upper-level students at the "Beulah Normal and Theological Institute" with the aim of educating future teachers and preachers for the Black community.

[note 3] Robinson and Parker also assisted the efforts of other pioneers for Black education in Alexandria, including Harriet Jacobs and Julia Wilbur.

[6] In addition to its role in educating recently freed African Americans, Beulah Baptist provided a supportive environment as the contraband refugees adjusted to their new life in freedom with shelter, work, and clothing.

[7] And when the federal government confiscated all lands within the Confederate states (including Virginia), Beulah Baptist saw both its property and its new church building seized and returned to the previous owner.

Built in 1863, Beulah Baptist Church is a front gable-roofed, freestanding brick structure located on South Washington Street, a main thoroughfare in the city.

A Hook and Hastings pipe organ, which had been given to Beulah by Christ Church Episcopal just up the street, was installed.

Having to move out for repairs, worship services were initially held at the Elk's Home and later at the Seventh Day Adventist Church.