“Can the dead speak?” asks a voice in your mind as you stand before the Church of Two Worlds. The church is a unique place of worship right here in Georgetown. It offers a connection between our world and the spirit world.
The Church of Two Worlds, founded in 1936 by Rev. H. Gordon Burroughs, has a fascinating history. Initially, the church moved around. Services were held in hotel banquet rooms and even at the French Embassy. Finally, in 1960, it found a permanent home here at 3038 Q Street. This building has a rich past. It was built in 1906 as a Methodist church and later housed the Bible Presbyterian Church of Washington.
The Church of Two Worlds stands out because of its spiritualist practices. Spiritualism believes that the spirit is separate from the physical world. One of its main goals is to prove that life continues after death. They seek to contact the spirits of the dead who retain their personalities. These spirits can communicate with the living.
Spiritualists believe spirits evolve in the afterlife. They are more advanced than humans. Therefore, spirits can offer valuable knowledge. They give insights on morals, ethics, and the nature of God. God is often referred to as Infinite Intelligence.
The Church of Two Worlds also embraces other beliefs. These include faith healing, crystal healing, and energy healing. They believe in past-life regressions. They consider all reality spiritual.
Unlike many churches, the Church of Two Worlds holds services later in the day. Services begin on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. with a healing service. At 2:30 p.m. a teaching service begins. Ministers share information on topics like spirit communication, meditation, and prayer. A message service follows. Mediums deliver messages from spirits. Afterward, there is food and fellowship.
Famous figures were once adherents of Spiritualism. Author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, magician Harry Houdini, and physician Hippocrates were among them.
The building itself looks like a typical church. It features a tan brick exterior. Stained glass windows add color. Large wooden doors welcome visitors. Inside the Church of Two Worlds, you might find more than just a typical service. You might find a message from beyond. You might even glimpse the minds of Sherlock Holmes or Hippocrates.
The Church of Two Worlds is open on Wednesdays and Sundays. If the main hall seems empty, check the back room to the right of the altar. Lectures are often held there. As you leave, consider the words of the Spiritualist hymn. Remember that the doorway to reformation is never closed.