A presence on Thomas Circle since 1930, National City Christian Church in Washington, DC, will be celebrating its 90th birthday on Nov. 1 with worship, a concert and social media throughout the day according to their most recent newsletter.
The congregation is the fulfillment of Alexander Campbell’s call in 1851 to have a Disciples presence in the U.S. capital. In 1926, the National City Christian Church Foundation was formed by the International Convention (which became the current Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)) to care for the resulting physical building.
National City reaches out to its neighbors in so many ways evidenced by their calendar – bible studies (currently via Zoom), Friday concerts to offer respite for all, a food pantry, hosting community meetings. In addition, the building hosts offices of the Disciples Home Missions’ Refugee & Immigration Ministries as well as other Disciples justice ministries whenever there is a need.
The building contains a columbarium, a resting place for the ashes of Disciples who wish to be inurned there. Kathleen Burger, trustee, in a story about the columbarium, said, “In our current times, when families are often geographically distanced, a columbarium can be a final gathering place.”
Denominational leaders inurned in the Columbarium include former General Minister and President Rev. Dr. C. William Nichols, former Deputy General Minister and President and former Senior Minister of NCCC, Rev. Dr. William C. Howland, Jr., former Moderator of the General Assembly Oscar Haynes, National Benevolent Association President William Gibble, Disciples of Christ Historical Society President Roland Huff, Division of Higher Education President William Miller, Christian Church Foundation President James Reed, and Board of Church Extension President Rolland Shaefor.
Burger said, “This November is indeed an appropriate time to give thanks for their lives and remarkable service to our church and denomination.”
The columbarium is open for visitors during regular worship and business hours of the church and at other times by special arrangement. If you are interested in information regarding the columbarium, please contact Executive Pastor Rev. Steven Baines.