Peoples' History and Spirit

The progressive spirit of Peoples Church has always been what makes it special. In 1890, a relentless band of Christian men and women became so dissatisfied with conditions in their home church, Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, that they formed a new congregation - The Reform Club of Asbury. These champions of free thought and independent action in service to Jesus Christ found their ideals embodied in the principles of the Congregational denomination. On March 6, 1891, Peoples Congregational Church, 175 members strong, was born.

Under the leadership of the Rev. John H. Daily, the new church conducted its early worship services in Nash Hall at 708 O Street, Northwest. As others in the community became caught up in the spirit of this dynamic new congregation, the membership grew; in 1894, the first church building was constructed at 628 M Street, Northwest.

Over the next 60 years, the church evolved, particularly during the 37-year tenure of the Rev. Arthur Fletcher Elmes - establishing itself as a pillar of Washington's religious community. After World War II, as the membership continued to grow, a new sanctuary was needed. In April 1954, for a third time, a larger sanctuary was required. The new sanctuary was constructed in 1991 and serves as a monument and testimony to what God has faithfully done on behalf or our people through years of struggle. It also serves as a sign of Peoples' commitment to its community.

Peoples Church is grounded in a hardy past. As we enter our 105th year, we look with pride to our forebears who forged the Christian ideals upon which Peoples Church was founded, and accept the responsibility of continuing in that heritage by serving others through the love of Jesus Christ. Under the distinguished and progressive leadership of our Senior Minister, the Rev. A. Knighton Stanley, Ph.D., we continually search for new and better ways to serve. We are bold in offering Christian love to everyone, following the example of Jesus. At Peoples Church we welcome everyone, without regard to gender, orientation, race or age. We believe that the test of our belief is the action we take. We accept the Bible as the standard for all Christian faith and belief, and are guided by the Covenant of Peoples Church.

Worship and fellowship experiences at Peoples offer all who participate a meaningful opportunity for spiritual enrichment. For us, worship is both a time of quiet meditation and introspection, and a most holy time in which we come together as a community to praise and thank God for God's many wonders, blessings, and truths. While our spiritual journeys may differ significantly, during worship we especially celebrate and rededicate our union with and love of God.

The diversity of Peoples members' spiritual and cultural origins sustains a robust fellowship life at Peoples. The congregation, which is predominantly African American, mirrors in many ways the multicultural nature of the surrounding metropolitan area. It consists of members with longstanding tradition within the church and community, and of those who have established roots after relocating to the area from other parts of the country and the world. A variety of people of the African diaspora are represented in Peoples' membership. The resulting exposure to different cultures and religious backgrounds creates a spirit of acceptance and requires openness to the knowledge, ideas and perspectives embodied in members' experiences.