A sanctuary of faith. That’s what the Del Ray United Methodist Church represents. Standing before this building you sense its rich history. It’s a place where generations have found solace and community. This church wasn’t always here. Its story began much earlier.
Methodism arrived in Alexandria in the late 1700s. A small group met in various locations before building their first church on Duke Street. Think of the dedication of those early worshippers. Their faith in the face of challenges is inspiring. Over time different groups formed their own congregations. This led to the establishment of Washington Street Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1849. Many members left Trinity MEC to align with the MEC South. They were expelled for disobeying their church’s orders. The reasons were complex. It was largely about the ownership of slaves a deeply troubling aspect of the past.
The cornerstone of the current building was laid in 1850. It was a Masonic ceremony. A significant event for the community. During the Civil War the church became a Union hospital. The first floor was even used as a stable. This is a striking image. Imagine the transformation from a place of worship to a military space. After the war the church reopened. Major renovations followed in 1875-76 and 1899. The church updated its appearance and added features. The stained-glass windows are a beautiful example of this work.
In 2014 a massive renovation revitalized the structure. The first floor now houses a bright cafe. It welcomes the community’s homeless population. Children fill the building during the week. There is a church preschool and updated classrooms. In 2018 the sanctuary received a full renovation. It has been the church’s worship space since 1851.
Today Del Ray United Methodist Church is a vibrant community hub. It grapples with its past. It acknowledges the wrongdoings of its founders. The church is working toward a more just future. This is a journey of reconciliation. It’s inviting all of God’s people to feel loved and accepted. This is a church that is striving for a more faithful and inclusive future.