Founded in 1816 Mount Zion United Methodist Church stands as a beacon of resilience. It’s the oldest African American congregation in Washington DC. Imagine 125 people both free and enslaved leaving their previous church because of prejudice. They purchased land built a brick church. They called it the Meeting House then the Little Ark.
The church became a vital hub. It wasn’t just a place of worship. It was a school a site for political meetings. Remarkably it even served as a station on the Underground Railroad. Runaway slaves hid in the windowless burial vault. They waited weeks for safe passage.
The congregation actively fought for abolition. Members joined anti-slavery organizations. They helped people escape bondage. After the Civil War some formerly enslaved members entered local government. By the 1870s they outgrew their building. A new church was dedicated in 1884 on 29th Street. They acquired the Old Methodist Burying Ground renaming it Mt Zion Cemetery in 1879.
Gentrification presented major challenges. Many members were forced from their homes. Reverend James D Foy testified against the Old Georgetown Act. His efforts to protect the community fell on deaf ears. Legal battles to protect the cemeteries raged for decades. Finally in 1977 it was ruled that the cemeteries would not be sold.
Today Mount Zion United Methodist Church continues its mission. It provides meals sponsors educational programs. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of those who founded it. Their legacy continues inspiring hope and service. Bishop Leontine Turpeau Current Kelly the first African American woman elected to the episcopacy of the United Methodist Church was born in the parsonage here. The church continues to stand as a powerful symbol of faith and perseverance. A place where history lives and hope thrives.