The imposing red brick structure before you is All Souls Church Unitarian. Its history whispers secrets of revolution and reform.
All Souls Church Unitarian wasn’t always here. It began in 1821 as the First Unitarian Church of Washington. This wasn’t just any congregation. Founding members included President John Quincy Adams and Vice President John C Calhoun. Architect Charles Bulfinch even designed their first building. This building stood at 6th and D Streets NW. The church’s original bell a testament to its early influence was cast in 1822 by Paul Revere’s son Joseph. President James Monroe himself contributed to its funding. It even served as a quasi-official town bell for Washington DC.
All Souls Church Unitarian stood as a beacon for progressive ideas. The church actively opposed slavery in the 19th century. Abolitionist William Henry Channing was one of its ministers. He delivered a powerful sermon just hours before John Celivergos Zachos addressed freedmen on the “Unity of the Human Race”. This was February 8 1863.
In 1877 the congregation changed its name to All Souls Church. This reflected the philosophy of Unitarian Universalism’s founding father William Ellery Channing. He famously proclaimed “I am a member of the living family of all souls”. A new building at 14th and L Streets followed.
The current building a stunning example of Georgian Revival architecture opened in 1924. It’s based on London’s St Martin-in-the-Fields. President Calvin Coolidge and Chief Justice William Howard Taft attended the dedication.
All Souls Church Unitarian continued its legacy of social justice. Under minister A Powell Davies it advocated for civil rights and desegregation. It even sent school supplies to Hiroshima and Nagasaki survivors. The church founded the city’s first desegregated boys’ club. James Reeb a martyr of the Civil Rights Movement was an assistant minister here before his tragic death. The church’s commitment to equality extended to LGBTQ+ rights. All Souls became an early leader in advocating for gay rights. It appointed Frank Robertson one of the nation’s first openly gay ministers. He later led the creation of the Unitarian Universalist Association Office on Gay Concerns.
All Souls Church Unitarian hosted pivotal events. A memorial service after 9/11 received national attention. Mayor Adrian Fenty signed the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009 here legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington DC. The church’s commitment to social justice continues today. It remains a powerful symbol of progressive values. The walls of All Souls Church Unitarian have witnessed history unfold. It continues to inspire change. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith and social activism.