Ready to uncover a story of faith, community and surprising origins? Today, we are standing before Rock Spring Congregational Church. It is a place with a history stretching back over a century.
Rock Spring Congregational Church began not as a grand vision. It started with neighbors gathering in a home for Sunday School in 1912. These families lived near the Vanderwerken stop. This stop was on the Great Falls and Old Dominion Railroad’s trolley line. They wanted more than just Sunday School. They desired a preacher. They knew they needed to affiliate with a denomination to find one.
The decision process was quite unique. Each person voted for their preferred denomination. They also listed second and third choices. These votes were weighted. The result? A surprise. The Congregational Church received 42 votes. Presbyterians got 16. Episcopalians only had six.
The story passed down emphasizes the wintry weather. It was an unusually cold night. Some believe those with hardy New England backgrounds braved the cold. They possibly had Congregational leanings. Those with Virginia Episcopalian persuasion stayed home. They were unaccustomed to such rigorous weather. It is also possible Congregationalism was everyone’s second choice. Participants voted unanimously to affiliate with that denomination. Thus, Rock Spring Congregational Church was born.
Initially, the location presented a challenge. Walker Chapel was the only other white congregation nearby. It was thought to be too far. The Walker Chapel congregation offered them an unused chapel. There was a catch. They had to raze and move it. T.B. Jewell donated land on Little Falls Road. Clarence Hunter supervised the church members in erecting the building.
Before the building was ready, services were held outdoors. They gathered in a grove of trees. Remarkably, rain occurred during service hours on only one day. The building resembled a house. It had a front porch and a large room with a fireplace. This space hosted services, Sunday School, and community gatherings.
“Neighborhood House” served as both church and community center. Eliza Sewall and her daughter started a kindergarten. The first Boy Scout troop in Arlington County met there. In 1915, the Ladies’ Guild established a children’s library. It honored their friend, Carrie M. Rohrer. The books were first stored in a market basket. By 1926, the library contained over 1,300 volumes. It was the first public library in Arlington County.
The church faced early struggles. The train line was irregular. A church history noted that service was delayed. This happened while the operator bagged rabbits. Despite this, the railroad was essential. It brought ministers and the congregation to services. These services were scheduled around the train timetable.
In 1940, the congregation decided to build a brick sanctuary. James Morris McHugh, a church member, was the architect. He designed a New England meeting house using Virginia materials. The congregation adopted the name Rock Spring Congregational Church. It was named after a nearby geographical feature.
Rock Spring Church has a history. It reflects community spirit. It shows dedication to social action. The church continues to evolve. It welcomes all. It seeks justice for all. Rock Spring remains a beacon of faith.