Reverend Christopher L. Nichols is a native Washingtonian and has been dedicated to preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the last twenty-five years. The son of Deaconess Fannie and the late Deacon Carlise Nichols, Sr., Christopher grew up in Southeast DC where he developed a love and sense of compassion for others. As a boy, he always exemplified a spirit of devotion and cared for the needs of others, especially senior adults. These early years laid the foundation for the life and the ministry of a humble servant of God.Although known for his gift of preaching, his ministry actually began in music. He started playing the saxophone at the age of 14 and quickly distinguished himself as a talented musician. Reverend Nichols is a very accomplished musician who is proficient on the piano, organ, saxophone, flute, clarinet, oboe, percussion and bass. To his credits, Reverend Nichols has released eight albums, the latest in which is entitled, “No Greater Love.” He has directed and performed in a number of Broadway musicals including, “Soul Train to Motown”, “Dreamgirls,” “Magnify”, and “Once on This Island.” He has performed with such noted artist as John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, and Donald Vails. Reverend Nichols graduated from the renowned Duke Ellington School of the Arts and furthered his studies at Howard University School of Fine Arts, and George Washington University.
Reverend Nichols is an educator and has taught music at the Highland Park Christian Academy, Saint Francis Xavier Catholic School, and the Tech World Public Charter School. He is currently the musical director for the Charles Herbert Flowers HS Drama Department. He has also served as Minister of Music at the Resurrection Baptist Church, Mt. Ephraim Baptist Church, and the Emmanuel Baptist Church. For four years, Reverend Nichols served as Musical Director for the National Capital Baptist Convention.
At the young age of 6 years the call on his life to preach was very evident. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at the age of 10 at his home church, Resurrection Baptist Church. Over the years, he soon realized that the music ministry was not a substitute for the calling on his life. He accepted the call to preach the Gospel and on Wednesday, May 27, 1992 he delivered his initial sermon and was licensed to preach at the Resurrection Baptist Church, Rev. James Edward Lewis, pastor.