Did you know that this very spot once housed a bustling church? Welcome to the site where the National United Methodist Church now stands. This isn’t just any building. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community.
The story begins long ago in 1852. A group of Methodists dreamt of a grand church in Washington DC. They secured approval and funding. Even Abraham Lincoln contributed $100. They purchased land near the Capitol. Construction started but was halted by the Civil War and economic hardship. It wasn’t until 1866 that work resumed.
Metropolitan Memorial Methodist Church was dedicated in 1869. Its first members joined on Easter Sunday. A magnificent 240-foot spire and 11 bell chimes were added. Presidents Ulysses S Grant and William McKinley attended services there.
The church thrived for years. It had a Sunday school for adults and children. It even had a class for Chinese immigrants starting in 1881. But times changed. The city grew. The neighborhood around the church shifted. The original church closed in 1930. The congregation relocated to this site.
Construction of this sanctuary began in 1931. The congregation temporarily used spaces at American University and the Navy Chapel. The new building was dedicated in 1932. Despite a smaller membership initially it grew steadily. By 1938 a parsonage was built and plans were made for an education building but World War II intervened.
After the war the church expanded again. In 1951 the education building was completed. The sanctuary was expanded in 1957. By 1969 over 600 people worshipped there every Sunday.
The church became known for its outreach work. It established Metropolitan House a homeless shelter within its walls. It also became a founding member of the Washington Interfaith Network working to address homelessness. The church continues this vital work.
Further expansion came in 1999 with a new Great Hall and administrative offices. Through mergers with other churches the congregation continued to grow its ministry. In 2008 the church became a reconciling church welcoming LGBTQ+ people.
So as you stand here remember the rich history of faith service and community that this building embodies. This is more than a church it’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of the National United Methodist Church.