Our History

Looking Back – Moving Forward – Pressing On

Peoples Congregational United Church of Christ

In 1890, a diverse group of women and men dissatisfied with the conditions of Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church formed a new congregation, The Reform Club of Asbury. These champions of free thought and independent action in service to Jesus Christ found their ideals embodied in the principles of the Congregational denomination. Supported by the Congregationalist churches of the Washington metro region, Peoples Congregational Church was formed on March 6, 1891, with 175 members. The new Church conducted its early worship services in Nash Hall at 708 O Street, NW Washington, D.C. In 1894, the first Church building was constructed at 628 M Street, NW Washington, D.C. After World War II, as its membership continued to grow, a new Sanctuary was needed.

In April 1954, Peoples Church conducted its first worship service at the current location at 4704 13th Street, NW Washington, D.C. Later the Elmes Center was constructed to accommodate the congregation and the needs of the community. On April 6, 1961, Peoples Congregational Church voted to join the newly formed United Church of Christ, a merger of the Congregational and Christian Churches, with the Evangelical and Reformed Churches. A new Sanctuary was erected and completed in 1991; today it remains a witness to the legacy and commitment of Peoples Church to the community.
Guided by visionary pastors, led by skilled and creative musicians, and served by faithful laity, this congregation, throughout its 130 years, has sought to do the extraordinary with the ordinary gifts that God has given. Committed to a free pulpit where the ideals of the Christian faith and social justice are championed, speakers have included Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, Dorothy Height, James Baldwin, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, Senator Raphael Warnock, and countless others. The Ministers of Peoples Church include World War I Army Chaplains, the Founding Dean of Teachers College at Howard University, Politicians, Civil Rights Activists, and College Professors.
Peoples Church, through its over 130-year history, has been at the forefront of the spiritual, political, and social evolution of Washington D.C. Peoples Church is a unique and vital spiritual community; championing social justice, lifting the individual dignity and worth of each human being, and sharing God’s love through worship and community service.

Today, Peoples Church is a multicultural and multigenerational congregation continuing to live into its proud and storied history. Committed to the mission to Gather, Grow, and Go, Peoples Church continues to proclaim the love of God made known in Jesus Christ and seeks to transform the world into a beloved community of love and justice.Today, Peoples Church is a multicultural and multigenerational congregation continuing to live into its proud and storied history. Committed to the mission to Gather, Grow, and Go, Peoples Church continues to proclaim the love of God made known in Jesus Christ and seeks to transform the world into a beloved community of love and justice.

Our Senior Ministers

  • ^Rev. John H. Daily, First Senior Minister
    1891-1900
  • ^Rev. Theodore M. Nixon, Second Senior Minister
    1900-1902
  • ^Rev. Dr. Louis B. Moore, Third Senior Minister
    1902-1912
  • ^Rev. Arthur G. C. Randall, Fourth Senior Minister
    1912-1914
  • ^Rev. J. Francis Gregory, Fifth Senior Minister
    1914-1917
  • ^Rev. Arthur Fletcher Elmes, Sixth Senior Minister
    1926-1963
  • ^Rev. Grady E. Poulard, Seventh Senior Minister
    1964-1967
  • ^Rev. Dr. A. Knighton Stanley, Eighth Senior Minister
    1968-2006
  • ^Rev. Dr. Michael C. Murphy, Ninth Senior Minister
    2009-2014
  • ^Rev. Brandon C. Harris, Tenth Senior Minister
    2019-2022

Associate Ministers

(Senior Associate, Executive Minister, Associate and Assistant)

FORMER

  • ^Rev. Cameron Wells Byrd (Assistant Minister)
  • ^Rev. John R. Pearson (Associate Minister)
  • ^Rev. Dr. Rubin Tendai (Assistant Minister)
  • ^Rev. Susan Newman Moore (Assistant Minister)
  • ^Rev. Dwight Andrews (Associate Minister)
  • ^Rev. Leslie Dowdell Cannon (Senior Associate Minister)
  • ^Rev. Venita E. George (Assistant Minister)
  • ^Rev. Mahogony S. Thomas (Executive Minister)