Church of the Redeemer

In the heart of Washington D.C., the Church of the Redeemer stands as a testament to faith and resilience. The Church of the Redeemer has a unique history. It was one of the few African-American Presbyterian churches in Washington D.C. The church was founded in 1958 during the tumultuous civil rights movement. The congregation first held services at the historic Anthony Bowen YMCA. They later acquired land in the Brookland neighborhood at the corner of 15th and Girard Streets, N.E. The current building, a modern edifice, was dedicated in 1962 after a period of struggle and commitment. The Church of the Redeemer always believed in social activism. It was an integral part of their Christian mission. In the 1960s, they hosted monthly Community Forums. These forums addressed pressing social and political issues. They consistently drew capacity crowds to the church’s Fellowship Hall. Luminaries such as Stokely Carmichael, Howard K. Smith, Benjamin E. Mays, and Arthur Ashe spoke at these forums. The church also formed a strong alliance with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The Church of the Redeemer hosted many meetings for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the SCLC. They planned the 1963 March on Washington and the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign. The forums also tackled complex topics. These included the relationship between African-Americans and Jews, statehood for D.C., race relations, and homelessness. The Church of the Redeemer has a rich legacy of service. They offer various educational programs for all ages. For about 20 years, the church ran an enrichment program for local elementary school children. They partnered with Taft Junior High School to provide scholarships, mentoring, and tutoring. Teenagers participated in ZOLAS to hone their leadership and public speaking skills. The church’s youth excelled in national oratorical contests and attended seminars at the United Nations. Adults engaged in theological discussions at the Adult Sunday School. They also explored literature at the monthly Fannie B. Robinson Black Author’s Discussion Group. These are just a few examples of the Church of the Redeemer’s dedication to education and community.