Mount Zion Church

In 1816, a bold act of faith resounded through the nation’s capital. Right here, at what would become Mount Zion United Methodist Church, a group of 125 African Americans, both free and enslaved, dared to dream of a place of their own. They broke away from Montgomery Street Church (later Dumbarton United Methodist Church), seeking refuge from prejudice and discrimination. Mount Zion Church, the oldest African American congregation in the District of Columbia, was born. Their first church, built on Mill Street (now 27th Street), was a simple brick structure known as both the Meeting House and Little Ark. It became more than just a sanctuary. It was a hub for political meetings, a school, and even a vital stop on the Underground Railroad. Imagine the hushed whispers and hurried footsteps of those seeking freedom, finding temporary solace within Mount Zion’s walls. The church’s commitment to education shone brightly in 1823 with the establishment of a Sabbath School, a beacon of literacy for both adults and children. The congregation fiercely advocated for abolition, their bravery a testament to their unwavering faith. They even used the burial vault on the grounds of the Old Methodist Burying Ground/Mount Zion Cemetery to hide fugitives from slavery. Think of the courage it took to shelter those escaping bondage, surrounded by the quiet presence of the departed. After the Civil War, Mount Zion Church members stepped into the realm of politics, taking on roles in local government. Their voices, once silenced, now resonated in the halls of power. By 1884, the congregation had outgrown their original “Ark” and dedicated a new Mount Zion Methodist Episcopal Church on this very site on 29th Street. The church’s legacy continued to grow, acquiring the Old Methodist Burying Ground and renaming it Mount Zion Cemetery in 1879. The 20th century brought new challenges. The Mount Zion Church community faced the harsh realities of urban renewal and gentrification, forces that displaced many from their beloved Georgetown neighborhood. Reverend James D. Foy bravely testified before Congress in 1950, fighting against the displacement caused by the Old Georgetown Act. Though his pleas went unheard, the church remained a steadfast presence in the community. Mount Zion Church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. It is a living monument to the 125 souls who dared to create a sacred space of their own, a legacy that continues to inspire and uplift today.