“Travelin’ Too Far” they said. We need a meeting place closer. This simple phrase marks the humble beginning of Lee Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church. Right here before you stands a testament to faith perseverance and community. Lee Memorial AME Church wasn’t always this grand structure.
In the late 1890s Kensington Maryland residents journeyed two and a half miles to attend Allen AME Church in Wheaton. Their children walked five miles daily to attend the black school there. The distance proved too much. In 1901 Alexander and Mary Ellen Datcher opened their home for Sunday school and worship services. Reverend John N Still a Howard University and Princess Anne Academy of Divinity graduate led these early gatherings.
The Datcher’s home quickly became too small. Reverend Still and Alexander Datcher worked tirelessly to purchase land and build a church. Their vision and faith inspired others like Cyrus Hall Regim Curry the Simpsons and many more to join their efforts. In 1903 they bought land from Thomas Gates. In 1904 Lee Memorial AME Church opened its doors Reverend Still its first pastor.
The church’s name a tribute to Bishop Benjamin F Lee the twentieth bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Lee Memorial AME wasn’t just a church it was the first school in Ken-Gar. Reverend Still himself was the first teacher. Around 1915 Montgomery County built a two-room school next door. It expanded to three rooms in 1937. School integration in 1955 led to its conversion into apartments. Later it became a community center. It stands today a neighbor to Lee Memorial.
Reverend Still’s life intertwined with the church and the Datcher family. He married Rosetta Datcher in 1907. They had a daughter Rosetta Evelyn. He served in other churches but eventually returned to Ken-Gar. He died in 1928. His daughter Evelyn a devoted member and officer of Lee Memorial carried on his legacy.
Reverend Viola Holston another significant figure joined Lee Memorial in 1942. She served tirelessly in various roles for over 50 years providing crucial support. Lee Memorial’s beauty is evident in its stained-glass windows donated and installed by families and clubs in the 1940s and 1950s. The sanctuary and pews from Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church were updated in 1991. The building’s exterior has seen various colors brown yellow and finally its current white.
Lee Memorial AME Church maintains high standards. It played a crucial role within the Potomac District and now is part of the Capital District of the Washington Annual Conference. It is a well-known friendly and respected church. Its enduring legacy is built on faith leadership and a strong community spirit. This legacy continues to this day. Reflect on the journey of this remarkable church. It is more than just a building it is a living testament to faith hope and love.