Imagine Christian fellowship sparked in May 1877. That’s when a small group began holding prayer services in their homes. These humble gatherings marked the genesis of Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church.
In 1879 this group formally organized. They purchased land in the Manning Division of Washington D.C. to construct a dedicated church building. Initially known as Grace Chapel, Ward AME Church’s early days were filled with hope and determination.
Rev. Johnson pastored the first church in 1883. The church stood at 42nd Street. Later, 42nd Street was named Brooks Street in 1959. Rev. Ashwood D. Holder, a native of Haiti, served two terms at Grace Chapel A.M.E. He served first in 1918 then again in 1921.
In 1921 Grace Chapel A.M.E. received a new name. It was renamed Ward Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church. The name honored the late Bishop Thomas M.D. Ward. He was the 10th Bishop of the A.M.E. Church. Bishop Ward passed away in June 1894. He rests in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Several leaders contributed to Ward AME Church’s growth. The Reverends John A. Custer and John and Will Dixon were key figures. The Dixons also served as the first contractors. They built the white frame building at 42nd Street. Brother Alexander Delaney directed the first choir. Mrs. Julia Cross organized the Sunday School in 1908. Rev. R.T. Queen was pastor at that time.
Under Reverend Bowen the church continued to grow. In 1923 Reverend A.D. Holder and the congregation moved the frame structure. They relocated it across the street to its current site.
Reverend J. Haskell Mayo furthered building plans in 1953. Reverend S.A. Thompson had started these plans. In 1957 Rev. Mayo led the construction of a new edifice. The building cost $118000 and could seat 450 people. The Prince Hall Affiliated, F. & A.M., laid the cornerstone. Bishop Frank M. Reid, Sr., led the dedication.
Many spiritual ministers have pastored Ward AME Church. Reverends Oliver Wing and Richard A. Greene served. Joseph Robinson and J.C. McEaddy also led. E.R. Williams and Melvin J. Keys contributed their service as well. Rev. D.A. Wilson served Ward AME Church from 1937 to 1938. He later became Presiding Elder of the Capitol District. Rev. Dewey Robinson served from 1939 to 1941. He became the 85th Bishop of the A.M.E. Church.
Rev. Walter L. Hildebrand also served two terms. Bishop Davis appointed him. He pastored Ward AME Church from 1941 to 1944. In 1975 Bishop Henry W. Murph appointed him. He served a third term. Later, he became Presiding Elder of the Capitol District in 1980. Rev. S.A. Thompson served as pastor from 1944 to 1953. Rev. James Haskell Mayo was appointed to Ward AME Church in 1953. Bishop Lawrence Hemingway appointed him. He served until 1961. Rev. Mayo completed the rebuilding. He became the 100th Bishop of the A.M.E. church.
Rev. Isaac Alfonso Miller served from 1961 to 1964. Before his death, Rev. Miller discussed plans for an educational building. Rev. Richard E. Tankerson served from 1968 to 1974. Bishop Henry W. Murph appointed him. Rev. Howard Camper served from 1973 to 1975. He oversaw the purchase of an apartment building. Bishop Henry W. Murph appointed Rev. James H. Robinson in 1980.
On February 14, 1981, the cornerstone for the I.A. Miller Educational Building was laid. The Prince Hall Affiliated, F. & A.M., performed the ceremony. Bishop John H. Adams and Presiding Elder Hildebrand led the services. Dr. Joseph C. McKinney presented historical documents. Rev. Robinson passed away in April 1996. Rev. Norman W. Handy was appointed in 1996. Bishop Frederick C. James appointed him. Rev. Conrad K. Pridgen was appointed in July 2003. Bishop Vinton R. Anderson appointed him. Rev. Rodger Hall Reed, Sr. was appointed in 2007. Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. appointed him. The Reverend Michael O. Thomas was appointed in April 2014. Bishop William DeVeaux appointed him. Rev. Thomas retired in 2018.
Currently, Reverend Dededrick O. Rivers is the pastor. Bishop James A. Davis appointed him in April 2018. Under his leadership, the sanctuary has been renovated. Also, the I.A. Miller Fellowship Hall has been restored. The church expresses gratitude to God and the Bishop. They appreciate his Spirit-filled, visionary leadership.
Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a testament to faith. It exemplifies community. It embodies perseverance through generations.