Reflecting on the values of freedom Union Wesley Chapel stands as a testament to faith. It also stands as a beacon of hope. Union Wesley Chapel had humble beginnings in Georgetown in 1844. Racial prejudice at Mt. Zion Methodist Church led a small group to seek religious freedom.
Gassaway Waters, Isaac Johnson and Charles Simmons were among them. Carl Carusoe, Charity Wilson and Eliza Wilson also sought change. They held services in Gassaway Waters’ home at Twenty-Eighth and Olive Avenue NW. The growing congregation soon needed more space.
In 1846 the group moved to Twenty-Third Street between L and M NW. The houses there were unfortunately destroyed by fire because of racial prejudice. This terrible act of terrorism did not destroy their faith.
Calvin Brent a young black architect designed a new church on the same site. The red brick two-story church was completed in 1848. It was later dedicated as the Second Colored Wesleyan Church.
The Second Colored Wesleyan Church operated independently for years. It joined the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church on August 26 1884. Reverend Wallace Brown was its first pastor. He changed the name to Union Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
A parsonage was built next to the church on Twenty-Third Street NW in 1919. Reverend C.C. Williams founded a Senior Citizens Home for senior members. Due to the depression in 1933 residents moved to Stoddard Baptist Home.
Union Wesley A.M.E. Zion Church played a crucial role. It served as a station on the Underground Railroad. B. F. Grant, Frederick Douglas and Sojourner Truth helped spearhead the movement. Escaping slaves learned carpentry here aiding their quest for freedom.
Reverend Dr. George L. Smith became pastor in 1960. By 1967 urban renewal caused neighborhood residents to relocate. Dr. Smith and the congregation decided to relocate too. In the Avondale community a new church was purchased. This is its present site on 1860 Michigan Avenue NE.
Many outstanding pastors have led Union Wesley African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Reverend Frank W. Alstork served from 1929 to 1944. He was elected Bishop in 1944. Reverend William A. Steward followed from 1944 to 1952 and was elected Bishop in 1952. The Rev. Dr. George L. Smith served from 1960 to 1982. The Reverend Dr. Wesley W. Bowden was pastor from 1982-2005. The Rev. Dr. Alvin T. Durant served from 2005 to 2020. The current pastor Rev. Dr. Brian S. Relford Sr. was appointed in 2019.
The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church emerged from the first Methodist Episcopal Society in New York City. Black parishioners faced discrimination in the church. They were segregated and denied full membership privileges.
In 1796 James L. Varick and others petitioned for separate meetings. In 1801 they built Mother Zion. They withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1820. James L. Varick became the first superintendent in 1822.
The church became known as the freedom church for its stance against slavery. Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Katherine Harris and Frederick Douglas were members. They taught about freedom and self-reliance.
The name African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church reflects its heritage. It reflects its organizational method and governance. Zion distinguishes it from other Methodist bodies.
Today Union Wesley continues its legacy. It serves God and builds community. It stands as a testament to faith resilience and the pursuit of freedom.