First Congregational Church (Washington, D.C.)

Founded in 1865; extant as First Congregational UCC in 1996.

The members of the First Congregational Church of Washington, D.C. Were largely responsible for the founding of Howard University in 1867. Of the seventeen original incorporators of the bill which established the Howard University, fourteen belonged to the First Congregational church including Gen. Oliver Otis Howard, for whom the University was named.

The Church has a history of liberal policies on segregation and for many years it was the only place in Washington where Howard University was allowed to hold its commencement services. The First Congregational Church was very influential. Before the original building was built, the Congregation used to hold services and meetings in the U.S. House of Representatives, probably due to the influence of its first pastor, Dr. Charles B. Boynton, who was also the chaplain to the House of Representatives.