“Family you belong to.” That’s the motto of Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church. This church is more than just a building. It is a family where everyone is welcome to praise and pray to God. Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church stands as a beacon. It shines brightly in the cultural and political landscape of the Washington D.C. area.
Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church has a rich history. It is the second oldest Black congregation in Alexandria, Virginia. The church was founded in 1834. Originally, it was known as Davis Chapel. For almost two centuries, it has served a primarily Black community.
In 1830, about 250 Black members of Trinity Methodist Church wanted their own church. The white leadership of Trinity supported their plans. They bought land in north Alexandria. However, plans were delayed because of Nat Turner’s Rebellion in 1831. In 1834, they sold those lots. They acquired new property on South Washington Street for $350. The deed stated it must be used as a Methodist Episcopal Church.
These Black Americans were part of Alexandria Station. They had worshiped since 1804 at the Methodist Meeting House. They sat in the gallery during services. A white pastor supervised them. They had their own religious classes. They attended prayer meetings in homes or at Old Zion. Cato, one of their members, was a respected orator. Despite this, they desired their own church. They wanted to nurture their voice and train leaders.
The church building was completed in 1834. It became a meeting place for the Black community. By 1840, there were four Black lay preachers. There were also ten Black class leaders. The church taught basic literacy skills. It had a choir and a missionary society. In 1841, they bought a parish house. They built a Lecture Room behind the church. This community offered spiritual and emotional support.
Membership grew to about 700. Many members came by boat from Maryland. Alexandria was a secure place for Blacks. It was a refuge for runaway slaves.
In 1846, Alexandria was returned to Virginia. Virginia laws restricted African Americans. These laws prohibited Black education. Many church activities had to close.
The Methodist Episcopal Church split in 1845 over slavery. The southern conferences supported slavery. They formed a new church. Rev. Davis sided with the southern conferences. Davis Chapel changed its name to Roberts Chapel. It honored Bishop Robert Richford Roberts. He was a leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Federal troops occupied Alexandria in 1861. This made Virginia’s laws mute. Church activities resumed. Roberts Memorial Chapel reopened its school in 1862. By 1864, the Sunday School had 117 scholars. The church was now an independent parish.
The school at Roberts Chapel reopened in 1862. Permission was needed from the provost marshal. Church members opened a school in the church. They opened a secular schoolhouse nearby. Public schools were established in the 1880s. The church limited its educational work to Sunday School.
Roberts Chapel established a mission in Woodlawn, Virginia. It supplied preachers. The two churches had annual reunions.
In the 1920s, the church bought the Paff Shoe Factory. This became the Roberts Chapel Community building. It hosted church and community activities. During the Depression, the church lost the property.
Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church is a Gothic Revival structure. It was built in 1834. It is located on South Washington Street. The facade has decorative brick and stained-glass windows. The side walls are original. They include the original window openings.
Roberts Memorial United Methodist Church was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. It is a testament to faith and community. Roberts Memorial is still a vital body. It actively makes disciples of Jesus Christ. This helps transform the world.