“Stay Proud. Stay Black.” This slogan now echoes with a special meaning thanks to the Union Bethel AME Church. The Union Bethel AME Church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. It showcases a congregation’s unwavering commitment to justice.
Founded in 1838 as Union Bethel, it holds a unique place in history. It evolved into the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church. The church’s story is one of perseverance.
In 1880 Bishop Daniel Payne appointed John W. Stevenson as pastor. Stevenson was tasked with building a new church. This new building would become Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church. The cornerstone was laid in September 1881. Some members of the congregation took issue with Stevenson’s methods. He was removed before the building’s completion. The reason was a salary request deemed too high.
Architect George Dearing completed the new building. It was dedicated on May 30 1886. The Union Bethel AME Church says it is the oldest continuously black-owned property. This property lies within the original 10-mile-square parcel of the District.
The Union Bethel AME Church has been the site of significant historical events. The funerals of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and civil rights activist Rosa Parks were held here. This highlights the church’s role in the struggle for equality.
In 2010 the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed the building as one of America’s Most Endangered Places. Water damage and structural issues necessitated extensive renovations. The estimated cost was around 11 million dollars.
President Barack Obama attended services here on January 20 2013. He attended before his second inauguration. This underscored the church’s importance in the community.
In December 2020 a Black Lives Matter banner was stolen from the church and burned during a pro-Trump march. Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was arrested and charged with destruction of property. In 2021 the church filed a lawsuit against Proud Boys International LLC and Tarrio.
In June 2023 District of Columbia Superior Court Judge Neal E Kravitz imposed civil penalties. These penalties exceeded $1 million on the Proud Boys and four of its members. Kravitz condemned their hateful and overtly racist conduct.
On February 3 2025 Judge Tanya Jones Bosier issued a $2.8 million default judgement against the Proud Boys. This included granting the church rights to the name “Proud Boys”. The church also gained control of trademarks owned by the group.
Rev William H Lamar IV announced the establishment of the Community Justice Fund. This fund helps the youth of Washington D C. One can donate to the fund and can buy a black shirt with the “PB” logo surrounded by golden laurels. Instead of “Proud Boys” the shirt reads “Stay Proud. Stay Black”.
Today the Union Bethel AME Church stands as a symbol. It is a symbol of resilience and triumph over adversity. It continues to serve its community. It embodies the enduring spirit of faith. It champions the pursuit of justice.