Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lincoln Industrial Mission-
Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church |
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ in 2023
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 Location in Washington, D.C.
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| Location | 1701 11th St., NW Washington, D.C. |
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| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | Howard Wright Cutler |
| Part of | Greater U Street Historic District (ID93001129) |
| NRHP reference No. | 95000163 |
| Added to NRHP | February 24, 1995 |
Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ was an important church in Washington, D.C. It was located in the Shaw neighborhood. This church had a long history, starting in 1880. Its building, finished in 1928, is a historic landmark. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. The church is also part of the city's African-American Heritage Trail. Due to changes in the neighborhood, the church closed its doors in 2018.
Contents
A Church with Deep Roots
The story of Lincoln Temple began even before the church itself. It started as the Lincoln Industrial Mission. This mission was founded after the American Civil War in 1868-1869. It helped people by offering education and social support.
In 1880, ten members from another church, First Congregational Church, started Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church at the mission. Later, in 1901, this church joined with Park Temple Congregational Church. Together, they became known as Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ.
A Place for Important Voices
Lincoln Temple was a place where many important events happened. In 1897, the American Negro Academy (ANA) was formed there. This was the first major group of African-American thinkers in the United States. Its first meeting was held at the church.
Many famous musicians sang at Lincoln Temple. These included Jessye Norman, Marian Anderson, and Roberta Flack. Important speakers and scholars also shared their ideas from its pulpit. Some of these were Julian Bond and Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr..
Supporting Civil Rights
Many church members were active during the Civil Rights Movement. In August 1963, people attending the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom were allowed to stay in the church's auditorium. This helped many who traveled to D.C. for the march.
After the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in April 1968, riots happened in Washington, D.C. During this difficult time, the church helped its community. It gave out clothes and food to people in the neighborhood. Church leaders were very involved in working for social justice. For example, minister Channing Emery Phillips supported full self-governance for Washington, D.C.
Because of its long history and importance, Lincoln Temple is listed on the city's African-American Heritage Trail. This trail highlights places important to African-American history.
The Church's Later Years
The church faced challenges as the years went on. Its longtime pastor retired in 1994. Also, the neighborhood around the church changed a lot. The number of African-American residents in the Shaw/Logan Circle area decreased.
The church tried to welcome new people in the changing neighborhood. It became an "open and affirming" church, meaning it welcomed everyone. It even hosted Saturday evening concerts with groups like the National Symphony. However, many concert-goers did not return for Sunday services. New rules that limited Sunday street parking also made it harder for people to attend church. Lincoln Temple held its final service on September 30, 2018.
Building Design
The church building we see today was designed by Howard Wright Cutler. It was finished in 1928. The building is in the Italian Romanesque Revival style. This style often uses round arches and strong, simple shapes.
The church has a main hall with arched windows. Its outside walls are made of different colored bricks. The roof has a pointed shape called a gable. The front of the church has a large round window called a rose window. It also has an arched entranceway with stone columns. These columns have detailed carvings of leaves. The building was recognized for its historical importance in 1995.
