Metropolitan A.M.E. Church (Washington, D.C.)

Metropolitan was founded in 1838, in the District of Columbia. It is the oldest A.M.E. Church in Washington, D.C., the nation's capital. The church represents the 1870s merger of two A.M.E. congregations, Israel Bethel (1821) and Union Bethel (1838), a stop on the Underground Railroad. The name "Metropolitan" was officially designated and recognized by the general A.M.E. Church in 1872.

The Metropolitan A.M.E. Church located at 1518 M Street, N. W., is one of the oldest churches in Washington D.C. Recognized for its historical significance, the Joint Committee on Landmarks of the National Capital declared that the church should be restored and preserved, while the Afro-American Bicentennial Corporation selected the church as one of the District's most historic sites. This building constructed from 1882-1886 as the national cathedral of the A.M.E. denomination, is one of the few remaining structures of the once flourishing Black settlement along M and L Streets N.W.

The Metropolitan A.M.E. Church was founded in 1872, an outgrowth of the Union Bethel and Israel Bethel churches founded in 1821 and 1838 respectively. These two congregations were formed after racial strife divided the integrated churches in D.C., resulting in the Black people leaving to form their own places of worship.

Initially church services were held in homes, schools, and businesses until church structures could be built. From this strong heritage Metropolitan A.M.E. Church has continued to be a pillar in the community, boasting some of the most notable Washingtonians as members. Among them Frederick Douglass, whose state funeral was held at the church. The silver candelabras, Douglass gave the church in 1885 still grace the altar.

Throughout its history Metropolitan A. has been known for its community activities. The famed Bethel Literary Society organized in 1881 by Bishop Daniel A. Payne attracted to the church such speakers as Kelly Miller, Mary Church Terrell, Eleanor Roosevelt, Archibald Grimke, Mary McLeod Bethune, and U.S. Presidents; William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft. For many years high school and Howard University graduations were held at the church. Today community and political groups still hold meetings and programs at the church.

Source: Metropolitan A.M.E. Church Records; Simms Family Papers; Vertical file - "Churches, Washington D.C. Methodist, Metropolitan A.M.E."