National Wesleyan Church

From prayer meetings in Mrs. Armentrout’s home to a vibrant multicultural congregation, the National Wesleyan Church has a truly remarkable story. It all began with humble prayer meetings led by Mr. Hugh Ammons and Rev. W.R. Dudley. This small group formed the foundation of what would become the National Wesleyan Church. In the fall of 1941, the search for a permanent home led them to a rented hall at 5th and C Streets, NW, Washington DC. During a revival, they found a small church building on Brandywine and Wisconsin Avenues. This marked a significant step in their journey. They worshipped there until September 1942. Then, Rev. R.W. Wolf, General Secretary of Church Extension, took over. The church purchased a property at 13th and F Streets, NW, converting it into their sanctuary. The First Pilgrim Holiness Church, as it was then known, officially began its journey. Rev. Posey led the congregation until 1946. Then Rev. T.M. Weir took the helm. By 1947, the church had outgrown its space, prompting a move to 24th and Franklin Streets, NE. While their new church was under construction, services continued at a nearby Masonic Lodge. The National Wesleyan Church has always been adaptable. In 1948, the name changed to Woodbridge Pilgrim Church. Rev. Weir faced the dual challenge of pastoring the church and starting a new district. Rev. J.A. Rodgers led from 1953-1954, followed by Rev. James W. Kraus in 1955. The church building at 24th and Franklin was sold in 1956. For the next year and a half, the congregation worshipped at the Hyattsville Seventh Day Adventist Church. They then moved to Ridgecrest Elementary School in 1958, near its current location on Riggs Road. In 1959, the groundbreaking ceremony for the current sanctuary took place. The first service in the new building was held in June 1960. The church was dedicated in May 1961 under the name National Pilgrim Church. With the merger of the Pilgrim Holiness Church and the Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1968, the National Wesleyan Church received its current name. Rev. Kraus served the church from 1955 until his death in 1970. The church faced a difficult period, with declining attendance and dwindling membership. The District Board of Administration considered closing the church. However, the remaining members prayed for a miracle. Their prayers were answered in 1971. Pastor John Mills began the difficult task of rebuilding. Through outreach programs and a bus ministry, the National Wesleyan Church became a diverse, multicultural congregation. Pastor Mills left in 1991. Dr. Ira Taylor, the seventh pastor, focused on building the church through Sunday school and cell groups. The National Wesleyan Church Choir gained recognition during this time. Dr. Taylor retired in 2005. Dr. Oswen Cameron then served until 2008. Dr. George Bassey Sr. became senior pastor in 2008. He led a major renovation project. This included a new foyer, cafe, audiovisual room, and restrooms. The renovated facilities were dedicated in 2019. The National Wesleyan Church continues to grow and serve its community. Through livestreaming, it reaches people worldwide.