Community- People of common interests building on our rich traditions, while strengthening and empowering the Children of God to be a viable Community of Believers: Disciples making Disciples. We are a family dedicated to doing God's will. We are called by GOD to be doers of the Word and we answer:Here we are LORD ever ready to assist in improving the mental, physical and spiritual lives of the least, lost and left out in our community.We covenant to do your will and save the children- making them the primary focus of our ministry. Oh LORD help us to:Educate those who know not a better way; Nurture those who are delicate and fragile; prevent evil and problems from destroying souls and lives; and Intervene wherever evil and illness have taken hold of our children and parents in this community. We can and will do all things we are called to do through CHRIST JESUS who strengthens us. James 1:22 Philippians 4:13 (paraphrased)

HISTORY OF

COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

In the summer of 1951, the congregation of Nash Methodist Church separated. Half of the congregation relocated to Lincoln Road and U. Street, N.E. The other half felt a strong need for a church at the Levis Street location and so they decided to remain. Thirty-eight members along with the District Superintendent, Dr. D. M. Pleasant, assembled at a meeting for the purpose of organizing a new church.

On Friday, August 3, 1951, the church was organized. As a result of the reorganization the members found it necessary to rename the church. After much discussion and debate, Sister Emily Thompson Butler suggested the name "Community Methodist Church". This suggestion was agreed upon by all.

The first appointed Pastor was Reverend James B. McKay. During Rev. McKay’s tenure, our efforts were successful and the church grew rapidly. Rev. McKay served diligently for nine years. His wonderful leadership and never ending support will never be forgotten. Due to his failing health, he was given a lesser charge by the Annual Conference.

In 1959, Reverend John Linwood Ford was appointed to serve at Community. During his tenure much was accomplished. For example, we purchased two lots, The Parish House, an organ, two pianos, an altar set and new pews. The membership increased to the extent that it was necessary to conduct two services -- 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Many goals were achieved through well planned activities and generous gifts from the congregation.

In April of 1968, as the result of a merger between the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB), Community Methodist Church became "Community United Methodist Church".

In 1972, a ground breaking service was held for our new building, which was completed the following year on July 29, 1973. During the building period, our services were held at two locations. The 8:00 a.m. service was held at the Miracle Temple Holiness Church in the 1100 Block of Bladensburg Road, N.E. The 11:00 a.m. service was held at Douglas United Methodist Church at 11th and H Streets, N.E.

In June of 1977, Reverend Donald C. Adams was appointed. During his tenure our Adult Bible Class was reactivated and the Youth and Adult Fellowship Groups were reorganized. In December of 1977, we purchased a parsonage at 1808 M. Street, N.E., Washington, DC. We also constructed a parking lot adjacent to the church, which was consecrated on August 5, 1978. Our first open air vespers service was held on Sunday, August 6, 1978 at 7:00 p.m.

In June of 1981, Reverend Emma P. Burrell was appointed by the Annual Conference to serve Community. She was the First Ordained Female Clergy in the Baltimore-Washington Conference. During her tenure, a singing group The Christian Jubilees was organized and we elected our First Woman Trustee. Rev. Burrell’s stay was short due to her retirement.

In June of 1982, Reverend Douglas M. Logan was appointed to serve at Community. Rev. Logan stressed the importance of: following United Methodist Church Book of Discipline; Church Officers strengthening their leadership by attending the School of Christian Growth; and he urged all of the Lay Leaders and Lay Speakers to attend the School of Christian Growth to become qualified as well as certified Lay Leaders and Speakers. During his tenure, we had a Day Care Center, purchased a Bus, and organized a ball team called the Chapelrells.

In 1984, because of economic conditions, we went from a full-time to a part-time pastor. Reverend Obie Wright was appointed pastor of a two-point charge which included Community and Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. Rev. Wright emphasized the significance of Tithing, and our connection with the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. Under his leadership the church grew and was assigned an Assistant Minister, Rev. Irving Moye. Rev. Moye aided Rev. Wright in alternating services between Community and Mt. Vernon.

In July 1987, Reverend Marian E. Dunmore was appointed to serve the Washington Urban Charge which included Community and Petworth United Methodist Church. Reverend Connie Smith served as her assistant. Rev. Dunmore was a dedicated servant and preacher who reminded officers to study the United Methodist Church Book of Discipline.

In June 1989, Reverend Roberta Carter Matthews was appointed to serve part-time. Six months later she was promoted to full-time Pastor. She was truly a dynamic preacher. In February 1990, "One More Made Free," A Christ-Centered Drug Oppression Relief Program was launched. Under Rev. Matthew’s leadership, we had a Mortgage Burning Ceremony on Sunday, September 14, 1991; were introduced Ecumenical Services; and organized an Annual Gospel Spring Fling. During Black History Month, our services included a number of special participants such as: Joslyn Williams, President of the Metropolitan Labor Council; Isaac Fulwood Jr., former Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department; and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes-Norton. In November 1992, we hired Reverend Eddie Sherman, of Howard University School of Divinity, as our Youth Director. The following June, Rev. Sherman was appointed as Pastor to a two-point Charge in the Annapolis District. Community was involved in many Christ-Centered outreach ministries designed to address the diverse needs of the people of our community, which included Share (Food Distribution), and the Nursing Home Ministry.

In July 1995, Reverend Donna A. Smith was appointed to serve Community. Rev. Smith was a dynamic speaker and good teacher of the Word. She desired to see the church go forward and was an inspiration to the sick and shut-in, who looked forward to her visits. Rev. Smith continued the work of the church and introduced many inspirational ideas for community involvement.

In July 1999, Reverend Dr. Alpha Estes Brown was appointed to serve Community and take us into the New Millennium. Rev. Dr. Brown had dedicated his ministry to fighting Tobacco, Alcohol and other Substance Abuse. He was instrumental in the development, design, and implementation of various professional, community-wide and Church-based programs. He worked with us in re-defining the Church’s Mission Statement and encouraged us to live out our mission. Under Rev. Brown’s leadership we organized an After School Program and Summer Camp. Rev. Brown became terminally ill. As a result of his illness, Community was in need of an interim pastor.

In November 2005, Reverend Mamie A. Williams was assigned Interim Pastor. Rev. Brown passed away on February 1, 2006. Rev. Williams brought over 30 years of ministerial knowledge to Community. Although she was the Executive Director of the Multi-Ethnic Center for Ministry of the Northeastern Jurisdiction, she was an effective, spiritual pastor, and the spiritual life of the church grew. Rev. Williams believed in following the Liturgical Calendar, the Book of Worship and the Book of Discipline.

Once again, economic conditions caused the church to move from a full time pastor to part time.

In July 2006, Reverend Jalene C. Chase was appointed to serve part-time as the eleventh pastor. Her experience includes working with Young Adults, Evangelism, and the Youth, as well as organizing Worship, Disciple Bible Study, Bible Study and Retreats Workshops. She brings an infectious energy, under her leadership we have revitalized the church and seen it grow spiritually, financially and numerically. After six months, the church moved from part time to full time. Using the focus phrase of “Community: Our Name, Our Mission” the church has partnerships with other organizations; hosts an annual Community Carnival for the neighborhood children; holds an annual worship, Baptism and picnic at the West River Retreat Center; sponsors a quarterly fellowship meal for the community; and a Community Weekend that include a Movie Night on Friday, Health Fair on Saturday and Outdoor Worship Service and Dinner on Sunday, all under a large tent. With our new 501c3 “Getting Ready for Tomorrow”, Rev. Chase leads the church as it endeavors to empower the community to change spiritually, economically, and judiciously.

Community is a “Small Church with a Mega Spirit” lead, guided and directed by God.