“Remember those sixteen Black Catholics.” Their courage shaped Our Lady Queen of Peace. This church stands as a testament to their dream.
Welcome to Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Arlington. It is a place of faith and community. Today we explore its history. We celebrate its enduring spirit.
In 1945 Bishop Peter Ireton responded to a request. Sixteen Black Catholics wanted their own church. They desired a place to worship with dignity. These founders include Joseph Bowman and Clarence and Selena Brown. Also among them were Alice Butler and Lawrence and Jessie Butler. Irma Carter and Hattie Ellis were also present. Additionally Mary Fernanders and Edward Marshall were involved. Grace McGwinn along with Edward and Alice Moorman contributed. Constance Spencer, Sophia Terry, and Thaddenia West completed the group. Their vision led to the creation of Our Lady Queen of Peace.
Ground was broken on September 20 1946. On Pentecost Sunday June 15 1947 Bishop Ireton dedicated the church. From the start Holy Ghost Fathers served as pastors. These Spiritan community members included Fr Hackett and Fr Kanda. Fr Jones and Fr White also served.
For 75 years Our Lady Queen of Peace has championed social justice. Racial equality has been a hallmark. Parishioners embraced Matthew 25:35. “I was hungry and you fed me thirsty and you gave me drink a stranger and you welcomed me”.
During racial segregation Our Lady Queen of Peace offered solace. It became a spiritual and social hub for Black parishioners. It also served the wider Arlington community. In the 1960s the church established an Interracial Council. This council addressed poverty employment and fair housing. The Matthew 25 Bazaar provided free services to those in need. Our Lady Queen of Peace started a homeless ministry. It was Arlington County’s first shelter for men. It served as a model for local governments.
In the 1970s new parishioners arrived from Central and South America. Since 1972 a Spanish liturgy has been celebrated every Sunday. The Hispanic culture is celebrated through bilingual masses. These celebrations also occur during the parish picnic. Fr Joseph Nangle expanded the Hispanic community.
Our Lady Queen of Peace continued its tradition of welcome. Social justice remained a focus. Community service thrived under Fr James Healy and Fr Jeffrey Duaime. The Queen of Peace Refugee Office opened in 1986. It assisted the Salvadoran and Latin American community. The Haiti Ministry twinned with St Joseph Parish in Medor Haiti. They built a granary and water purification project. Homes a church and a school were constructed. Many parishioners traveled to Medor to provide social services.
Our Lady Queen of Peace is a story of dreamers and doers. Sixteen Black Catholics transformed their vision into reality. What they imagined became a spiritual community.
Today Our Lady Queen of Peace includes over 1500 families. They represent all races cultures and nationalities. This church embodies the reign of peace and justice. It extends to the neighborhood the community the nation and the world.
Remember the dedication of Our Lady Queen of Peace. It is a beacon of hope for all. Its history inspires us to continue their work. To build a better world.