Universalist National Memorial Church

Have you ever wondered about the church that stands as a testament to universal love, right here in the heart of Washington D.C.? This is the Universalist National Memorial Church. It’s more than just a beautiful building. It’s a symbol of a faith that embraces all. The Universalist National Memorial Church, often called UNMC, opened its doors on Palm Sunday in 1930. Its first minister was Frederick Williams Perkins. The church’s striking Romanesque Revival architecture is the work of Allen & Collens, the same architects who designed the iconic Riverside Church in New York City. This architectural style echoes the grand churches of Europe. It invites you to step inside and experience a sense of awe and reverence. The church’s 98-foot tower is a prominent feature of the Sixteenth Street Historic District. Inside, the stained-glass window casts colorful patterns across the sanctuary. The Universalist National Memorial Church wasn’t always at this location. Universalist ministers had been visiting the Washington area since at least 1827. In the late 1860s, they began organizing a permanent presence. The Church of Our Father, the first Universalist church in Washington D.C., was founded in 1870. The Universalist National Memorial Church represents the next chapter in their story. It serves as the national representative of the Universalist Church of America. The Universalist National Memorial Church proudly proclaims itself as “both liberal Christian and Universalist.” It welcomes people of all beliefs. The church’s core belief is universal salvation. It teaches that a loving God would not condemn anyone to eternal damnation. The Universalist National Memorial Church also has strong ties to the Unitarian Universalist Association, or UUA. This connection was strengthened in 2003. The church actively participates in several organizations. These include the American Unitarian Conference, the Christian Universalist Association, and Progressive Christianity. It’s a place where faith and reason intertwine. The Universalist National Memorial Church has a rich history of social activism. It continues to be a beacon of hope and inclusion in the nation’s capital.