First Congregational United Church of Christ was founded in 1865 by abolitionists as the first racially integrated church in Washington, DC. In 1867 the mission committee of the church played a prominent role in the founding of Howard University. In 1868, after worshiping for several years in Congress, the church moved into its newly constructed building at the corner of 10th and G Streets, NW. When the church divided over integration in 1869 and the segregationists left, Howard University saved the church by buying the note.
In 1953, when the original structure was condemned, the Trustees recommended that the building be sold and the church relocated. The congregation rejected this recommendation and voted to rebuild in the present location, continuing our downtown ministry in the Nation’s capital and affirming the church’s presence in an urban area. During the 1960’s First Church was active in the civil rights movement, and this activism has continued throughout the church’s history: in 1975 we became an Open and Affirming (ONA) Church, in 1985 we became a Just Peace Church, and in 2003 we affirmed our vision as a Multiracial/Multicultural Church.
In the new millennium, with a deteriorating building and a resurgent downtown, First Church has decided to redevelop its site into a mixed use complex, with a new church, state-of-the-art facilities for our meal and service programs, and condominium tower. In January 2007, we relocated to nearby First Trinity Lutheran Church, along with the Dinner Program with its twice daily meals and social services.
In this period of transition, we are building for the future and seeking new pastoral leadership following the retirement of our ministers. We continue as a warm and welcoming community ministering to the wider community. During construction, the congregation, including its social programs, will continue at First Trinity Lutheran at 4th & E Streets, NW. Sunday worship is at 1 p.m.
We hope you will join us in our journey continues! Belonging and loving require the sharing of ourselves, our abilities, and resources. We welcome you to become part of this beloved community!
- Read more about our worship and activity schedule on our Welcome page
- Visit our Beliefs page to learn about our covenantal tradition and our Open and Affirming (ONA), Just Peace, and Multiracial/Multicultural Church statements)
- Read more about the details of our transition and visiting us in our Home Away from Home guide.
- Learn more about the decision to redevelop in “Building Dreams,” in the May 1, 2007 issue of United Church News.
- Learn about the stained glass windows of our old building.
- Read the Centennial History (1865-1965) of First Congregational UCC (coming soon).
