Christ United Methodist Church in Washington, DC

Located in the Southwest quadrant of the District, Christ Church is the product of the 1961 merger of two churches, Gorsuch Methodist Church and Louis Memorial Congregation. The new congregation initially worshipped together at the site previously used by Louis Memorial, but immediately began searching for a new church building, and acquired the church’s current location at 4th and I streets, SW.

On Sunday December 10, 1961, the site was consecrated at a special service. A groundbreaking service – the first official groundbreaking for a new church in the newly-redeveloped Southwest – was held on Sunday May 13, 1962. The cornerstone of the church was laid on Sunday October 21, 1962, and the inaugural service was held on Palm Sunday April 7, 1963.

Christ Church has been blessed to be led by nine spirit-filled leaders: Rev. Lester K. Welch, Rev. Carroll L. Yingling, Rev. Don Bruce Lowe, Rev. Cathryn B. Moore, Rev. Esther M. Holimon, Rev. Wendy J. Shenk-Evans, Rev. Joan H. Coates, Rev. Arlester Brown (Interim Pastor), Rev. Jason L. Robinson, Rev. Adrienne Terry, Rev. Dr. E. Allen Stewart (Interim Pastor), and our current Pastor, Rev. Monica Raines.