Good Shepheard United Methodist Church

“A beacon of hope, a testament to faith.” Good Shepherd United Methodist Church stands as a symbol of resilience and community. During the post-World War II boom, the area north of Washington D.C. experienced rapid growth. Marvin Memorial Methodist Church, located at Four Corners, realized its facilities couldn’t handle the burgeoning population. Good Shepherd United Methodist Church was the answer. In July 1950, a committee formed to find a new location. With help from Dr. Phillip C. Edwards, the Washington Methodist Union secured funds. In February 1953, they purchased land on New Hampshire Avenue and Oakview Drive for the future Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. The congregation’s first service was held on October 4, 1953. Sixteen people gathered in the Hillandale Fire Station’s social hall. Dr. Edwards and Chaplain Heather led services until their first minister, Gordon C. Keesee, Jr., arrived. Good Shepherd United Methodist Church quickly grew to 150 members in under three years. On Palm Sunday, March 25, 1956, they dedicated their first building: T. Lamar Jackson Hall. This building served as the initial sanctuary and social hall. The church continued to expand, purchasing a neighboring residence in April 1956. This became the parsonage until 1987. By 1963, the congregation had reached over 600 members. They dedicated their new sanctuary on March 17, 1963. The social hall beneath it was named Lewis Memorial Fellowship Hall. It honored members who joined from Lewis Memorial Methodist Church in Washington D.C. Jackson Hall was then repurposed for classrooms and offices. Good Shepherd United Methodist Church further expanded its property in July 1973. They acquired Pisgah Hill House and later the adjacent cottage. The cottage was renovated for transitional housing in partnership with the Silver Spring Interfaith Housing Coalition. In 2005, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church underwent more renovations. A new entrance, accessible restrooms, and a foyer were added. The HVAC system was upgraded. The church message board on New Hampshire Avenue was also replaced and moved. Even in recent years, Good Shepherd United Methodist Church continues to adapt and renew. The sanctuary pews were refinished in 2023. On October 1, 2023, the church celebrated its 70th anniversary. Good Shepherd United Methodist Church stands as a symbol of growth, community, and enduring faith.