“Did you know that John Wesley Church is more than just a place of worship?” It’s a landmark. It reflects the spirit of a community.
The John Wesley Church stands here as a testament to faith and history. It has a story that stretches back over 150 years. This church is not just a building. It’s a living chronicle of Washington D.C..
Let’s journey back to the mid-19th century. In 1847, a group separated from Asbury M.E. Church. John Brent and John Ingram led this group of nine founders. They called themselves the Little Society of Nine. They met in John and Elizabeth Brent’s home. There they began to lay the foundation for a new church.
By 1849, the Little Society of Nine had grown. They purchased land on Connecticut Avenue. Here they built the first John Wesley Church. It was a modest one-story building with a basement. The cost was just $600.
In 1851, the congregation moved into their new, independent church. Reverend Abraham Cole was their first minister. He helped establish the Board of Trustees and the Board of Stewards. These boards were vital to the church’s governance.
The John Wesley Church quickly outgrew its original structure. In 1853, it was enlarged. The expansion included a parsonage and rental houses. These rentals helped offset church expenses.
During 1855-58 and again in 1864-65, the church served as a school for free blacks. This shows the church’s commitment to education and equality.
In 1884, a second story and tower were added. Calvin T.S Brent oversaw the architectural direction. By 1889, six rental houses stood on the church property.
The church continued to evolve. In 1902, the Connecticut Avenue property was sold. John Wesley Church moved to 18th Street, N.W..
A significant change occurred in 1904. During Rev. Lynwood W. Kyles’s leadership, the church formally joined the African Methodist Episcopal Zion denomination. It became an incorporated branch.
In 1914, the church relocated to its present site. Rev. W.C. Brown was the pastor at the time.
Marcus Garvey, a prominent figure, spoke here in 1923. He addressed a crowd of about 2000 people.
In 1936, Rev. Stephen Gill Spotswood began his role as pastor. He initiated the Temple Beautiful campaign. This led to a complete renovation of the John Wesley Church. Members voted to designate John Wesley as “The National Church of Zion Methodism.”
John Wesley Church hosted the 31st General Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church in 1940. The church mortgage was also ceremonially burned.
In 1945, Eleanor Roosevelt spoke to a packed audience here.
Medgar Evers’s funeral was held at John Wesley Church in 1963.
The John Wesley Church is also listed as a D.C. Historic Landmark since July 24, 1968. It is a contributing property to the Fourteenth Street Historic District. This district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
In July 1979, a fire severely damaged the church. The congregation temporarily worshipped at other churches. By 1980, the restoration was complete.
Today, John Wesley Church continues to serve its community. Rev. Dr. Christopher L. Zacharias is the current pastor since 2017.
As you stand before John Wesley Church, remember its long history. This church has been a place of worship and a center for social change. It stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of faith.