Imagine a group of people gathering in 1910. These people felt the need for a Methodist Episcopal Church. This church was to be in their Deanwood community. That’s how the story of Randall Memorial United Methodist Church begins.
Randall Memorial United Methodist Church has a rich history. It has served Washington D.C. residents for over a century. It stands as a testament to faith and community.
In June 1910, Reverend Armstead Randall and his wife Rebecca met with other visionary Methodists. They included John H. Snowden, John and Cynthia Smith, Georgia Gross, and Eugene and Fannie Sparrow. They wanted to establish a church. They took action and organized the Deanwood Methodist Episcopal Church. More than a dozen other founding members joined them. They raised funds to rent Moses Hall on Lane Place. They started a mission there.
On July 2, 1911, they held their first worship service. After almost a year of sacrifice, they erected their first church building. It was on Browning Place, now 46th Street. In June 1912, they laid the cornerstone.
Reverend Armstead Randall passed away on June 29, 1916. The congregation honored him. They renamed the church Randall Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1968, it became Randall Memorial United Methodist Church. This change came with the creation of the United Methodist Church.
Today, Randall Memorial United Methodist Church has a growing congregation. It is intergenerational with about 150 members. Some have belonged for half a century. Others have joined recently. The church’s ministries involve all ages. They range from children and youth to senior adults.
Randall Memorial United Methodist Church is located at 1002 46th St NE. It stands at the corner of 46th St. and Sheriff Road in Deanwood. This is one of Washington’s most historic neighborhoods. The church is accessible from Kenilworth Ave. and I-295. It is near the Deanwood Metro Station and Deanwood Community Center.
The church provides its neighbors with essential services. These include food, education, and pastoral counseling. It also offers space for community programs. Through giving, it shares in the United Methodist Church’s mission. This mission extends worldwide.
Randall Memorial United Methodist Church offers various ways to connect. You can attend Sunday worship at 10 a.m. There are also Bible studies on Sundays at 9 a.m. and Wednesdays. One is at 7 p.m. and another at 12 noon. The church is dedicated to serving and glorifying God. It achieves this through diverse ministries.
The current pastor is the Reverend Jessica Hayden. She leads the church with vision. She inspires the congregation.
Randall Memorial United Methodist Church is more than a building. It is a vibrant community. It is rooted in history. It looks forward to the future. It welcomes all to share in its journey of faith. Whether you are a long-time member or a first-time visitor, you’ll find a warm welcome here. Randall Memorial United Methodist Church continues to be a beacon of hope. It is a place of worship. It is a place of service in the heart of Deanwood.