Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church
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Metropolitan AME Church in 2020
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 Location in Central Washington, D.C.
Location in the District of Columbia
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1518 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1886 |
| Architect | Samuel G. T. Morsell |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 73002102 |
| Added to NRHP | July 26, 1973 |
The Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church, often called "Metropolitan AME Church," is a very old and important church. It is located at 1518 M Street, N.W., in downtown Washington, D.C.. This church is part of the African Methodist Episcopal Church group.
History
The church started in 1838. It was first known as Union Bethel (Metropolitan) A. M. E. Church.
In 1880, a minister named John W. Stevenson was asked to lead the church. His goal was to build a brand new church building. This new building would become the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The first stone for the new building was placed in September 1881. The new church building was officially opened on May 30, 1886. George Dearing was the architect who designed it.
The church believes it is the oldest property in Washington, D.C., that has always been owned by Black people. Many important events have happened here. The funerals for famous people like Frederick Douglass (in 1895) and Rosa Parks (in 2005) were held at this church. Frederick Douglass was an abolitionist, meaning he fought to end slavery. Rosa Parks was a civil rights activist who worked for equal rights for all people.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This means it is recognized as a very important historical place. In 2010, the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed the church as one of "America's Most Endangered Places." This was because it had water damage and other problems. It needed a lot of money for repairs.
President Barack Obama attended a church service here on January 20, 2013. This was just before his second inauguration as president.
In December 2020, a banner supporting Black Lives Matter was taken from the church. It was then burned during a march. A person was later charged with damaging property. The church later took legal action against those involved in the incident.
