Standing here in D.C.’s historic Capitol Hill neighborhood you are facing St. Monica & St. James Episcopal Church. It is more than just a church. It is a testament to faith, unity and the evolving spirit of a community.
St. James Parish began in 1873. Churchgoers in northeastern Washington D.C. formed it. The Diocese of Maryland set it apart. St. James was the first Anglo-Catholic congregation in the District. St. Monica & St. James continues this tradition today. Early services were in a rented house at 809 H Street NE. The first baptisms were in 1876. They were Albert Edward Hodges and Ida Maria Low.
In 1883, the church purchased the property where St. Monica & St. James now stands. The first service on this site was on All Saints Day eve in 1886. Father James Walters Clark led St. James from 1882 until 1925. Henry Lewis Bryan was a vestry member first elected in 1881. He remained on the vestry until 1933.
Father Clark greatly influenced St. Monica & St. James. After his death in 1926, people remembered his devotion. He constantly guided his flock. He recited daily matins and evensong. He said Mass daily. People recalled his wise counsel. He never shied away from duty. His words were few but his good deeds were many.
St. Monica was established in 1899. It became the fourth oldest African American parish in the Diocese. Its first services were in a rented house at 601 Second Street SW. In 1910, St. Monica built a brick church and school. It was at the corner of South Capitol Street and L Street SW. In 1959, St. Monica sold its property because of the Southwest urban renewal project. The church relocated to 1340 Massachusetts Avenue SE.
In 2007, St. Monica and St. James merged. This created a united faith community. The merger had growing pains. Parishioners identified as members of St. Monica or St. James. Today the church is united. Most members joined after the merger. They strongly identify as one faith community.
Inside St. Monica & St. James you can find a late 19th-century baptismal font. There is also a brass lectern. The tower bell and great silver chalice are beautiful. Look for the censer.
Three crucifixes adorn the church. Berthold Schmutzhart created the Resurrected Christ on the 8th Street wall. He was a local sculptor. He also taught at the Corcoran Gallery. The altar crucifix is German from Oberammergau. It was originally outside. Berthold Schmutzhart also created the Parish Hall crucifix.
The historic Steinway grand piano was made in 1883 or 1884. It was donated in 1983 for the parish’s 100th birthday.
The Stations of the Cross were originally poly-chrome. They deteriorated and were painted white around 1959.
Washington Art Glass Studios created and maintained the stained glass windows. Jed Boertlein recently restored the windows in the Upper Parish Hall. His father was the designer.
St. Monica & St. James embraces diversity and inclusivity. All are welcome here. The church works for social justice and a worship-centered faith. It makes the Incarnate Word real in the 21st century. The community consists of families and individuals of all backgrounds. The church strives to love others as God first loved us. It is a parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. This church is a member of the Anglican Communion.
As you leave St. Monica & St. James remember its history. It is a place where tradition and diversity unite. It is a community that strives for compassion justice and love.