“Following Jesus by living in love walking by faith and serving our community.” This is the motto of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church of DC. Welcome to St. Timothy’s.
St. Timothy’s has a rich legacy. It all began in the spring of 1944. Bishop Angus Dun recognized the need for a church in Hillcrest. The Diocese of Washington purchased land back in 1937. A portable frame chapel was erected. It had a seating capacity of 135. The chapel was consecrated in August 1944.
Reverend John Parker Coleman was appointed Vicar. He came from Hartford Connecticut. The new mission was named “The Chapel of St. Timothy.” The first service occurred in September 1944. 211 people attended. On January 9 1945 the congregation organized as a mission. It was admitted at the Diocesan Convention on May 9 1945.
In 2024, St. Timothy’s marks its 80th anniversary. The church invites you to celebrate. Help celebrate St. Timothy’s rich legacy.
Ground was broken on October 22 1950. This was for the construction of the lower level. It was for a future church building. Construction began on May 3 1951. The new structure was dedicated on January 20 1952. The last service was held in the original chapel on June 6 1954. Church services began in June 1954. They were held in the new parish hall. Plans were in progress to complete the new building.
Ground was broken for the new building in October 1954. The cornerstone was laid in February 1955. Bishop Angus Dun consecrated the church in April 1956. In May 1956, a request for parish status was submitted. It went to the 61st Diocesan Convention and was approved. Reverend Coleman was called to be the first rector. He served until September 1956.
Reverend Arthur H. Underwood was installed as the second rector in October 1956. He served until late 1956. The traditions of worship service community involvement outreach and singing continued. They expanded at St. Timothy’s during his pastorship.
Reverend Edward O. Waldron was called as third rector in January 1970. He served until 1976. The opening of a daycare center occurred. Also a community school of dance opened. The ministry to the aging highlighted the work in 1973.
Reverend Richard L. Tolliver was called as the fourth rector in 1977. He was installed in May 1977. He served until 1984. The original architectural design contained plans for an upper parish hall. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new facility was held in September 1980. Bishop John T. Walker dedicated the new structure in April.
In March 1986 Reverend Dalton D. Downs was installed as the fifth rector in October 1986. The parish continued its growth and traditions. These traditions are worship music service community involvement and outreach.
During the pandemic years of 2020 through today the church developed online capabilities. It now offers hybrid worship on Zoom and in-person. This is broadcast live on Facebook.
St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church has been a beacon of faith love and service. It continues to be so for the Hillcrest and southeast community. It is a welcoming home for all.