“I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” These powerful words from Matthew 16:18 resonate deeply within the history of Fourth Presbyterian Church. Founded in 1828, Fourth Presbyterian Church has a rich heritage rooted in the early Presbyterianism of America.
The story of Fourth Presbyterian Church begins with a schism. A disagreement arose within the Second Presbyterian Church over the selection of a new pastor. Twenty members who favored Rev. Joshua N. Danforth broke away. They formed Fourth Presbyterian Church in Washington. At the time, Washington was a small city of approximately 15000 people. John Quincy Adams was the President.
The first building for Fourth Presbyterian Church was a simple wooden structure. It was affectionately known as “The Little White.” It was completed in 1829. During Rev. Danforth’s tenure, the church grew to 140 members.
Over the years, Fourth Presbyterian Church experienced significant growth. It required larger facilities. In 1841, a new, larger church was dedicated across the street from “The Little White.” President John Tyler and his cabinet attended the dedication.
Under the leadership of Dr. Joseph T. Kelly, Fourth Presbyterian Church became known as a great missionary church. It supported missionaries financially. It opened its pulpit to them. It sent its own members to local and overseas missions.
In 1928, the church dedicated a new building. This allowed them to support 30 missionaries. They began broadcasting by radio in 1929 to reach the Washington D.C. area.
In 1957, Fourth Presbyterian Church dedicated a new building at 5500 River Road in Bethesda. In 1981, Dr. Halverson accepted the call to become Chaplain of the United States Senate.
In 1984, Dr. Robert M. Norris became the seventh pastor. Under his leadership, Fourth departed the Presbyterian Church denomination. It joined the newly formed Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The church continued to grow. Expansions followed in 1994 and 2005 to accommodate its growing ministries.
Today, Fourth Presbyterian Church continues to thrive. It is led by Dr. Todd M. Smedley, who became the eighth pastor in 2015. The church seeks to glorify God. It makes disciples of Jesus Christ through worship, community, service, and multiplication.
Through many changes, Fourth Presbyterian Church has remained committed to its mission. It preaches the Gospel message to the world. The recent renovation embraced the challenge of revitalizing a beloved historic landmark. It integrates modern functionality. The lighting design plays a pivotal role. It emphasizes the sacred atmosphere, architectural beauty, and enhanced usability of the space.