“Imagine answering a knock and inadvertently setting the stage for a church’s creation”. That’s precisely how the story of Wilson Boulevard Christian Church began.
Let’s explore Wilson Boulevard Christian Church together. It is a place with a rich history and a vibrant community. Its roots stretch back to a simple prayer meeting.
In June 1913, Mrs. Elizabeth Dey answered her door on Georgetown Road. Now, it’s 3801 Wilson Boulevard. Mrs. George Fisher sought to sell religious books to her. They discovered they were both members of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ.
A few days later, Mrs. Fisher suggested a weekly prayer circle. The first meeting was at her home on Utah Street in Ballston. Mr. Fisher was to lead it. An emergency called him away and Mrs. Dey stepped in. Mrs. Carl Munson opened with prayer. Mrs. Dey led hymns at the piano and read a printed sermon. Sentence prayers and a benediction followed. This was the start of Wilson Boulevard Christian Church. It was formerly known as Ballston Christian Church.
From its start in 1913, the congregation dreamed of their own building. They bought a lot at 911 Stafford Street. They eventually completed a frame church building. The United States declared war on Germany in 1917. The Ballston Christian Church filled with officers and soldiers from Fort Myer.
Reverend S.J. Goods bought the Wilson Boulevard site. It is where the church stands today. He was the first full-time minister. In 1937, under Rev. Ira Preston Harbaugh, the name changed to Wilson Boulevard Christian Church.
Reverend Harbaugh was the longest-serving pastor. He died of a heart attack during choir practice after 20 years. Military families often moved. This made the church membership transient.
Other notable leaders include Reverend Ammon E. Smith and Reverend Henry Lutz. Also Reverend Earl Taggart, Reverend Carroll Quinn Right, Rev. J Lloyd Black and Rev. Glendale Burton. Rev. Curtis Wheeler and Rev. David Chisham also served. In 2006, Rev. Dr. Carol Green Freeman became the first African American woman pastor.
Dr. Green-Freeman had been licensed at New Shiloh Baptist Church and ordained in 2001. She is a graduate of Morgan State University and St. Mary’s Seminary and University. Also she graduated from Howard University Divinity School. She served as a chaplain in the Division of Correction, State of Maryland. She was the first woman chaplain at the Metropolitan Transition Center.
Dr. Green-Freeman is a minister in the Christian Church. It is Disciples of Christ in the Capital Area Region. She was an adjunct professor at Howard Community College. Her theme is to empower people through the Word of God.
Under Pastor Green-Freeman, the Wilson Boulevard Christian Church meets social and spiritual needs. Their motto is “Serving in a Spirit of Excellence.”
Today, Wilson Boulevard Christian Church continues its mission. It spreads the gospel of Jesus Christ through teaching. They emphasize drawing others into a covenant with God. The church is Bible-based, Christian-centered, and people-focused.
Wilson Boulevard Christian Church welcomes everyone. It seeks to serve in a spirit of excellence. It has been a beacon of faith in Arlington for over a century. It started with a simple knock on a door. It grew into a strong community.