[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 59 (Tuesday, May 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E822]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              PRAISING THE NATIONAL CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 12, 1998

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the National Church 
of the Nazarene on the occasion of its 80th anniversary celebration.
  A little more than eighty years ago, in the shadow of the Nation's 
Capitol in Northeast D.C., a small group of dedicated Christians, who 
believed in and had experienced ``the blessing of entire 
sanctification'' attended a series of tent meetings where they heard 
this doctrine preached. This ``Holiness Movement'' was not generally 
accepted by the established churches of that day and, in many cases, 
these people were resented for this belief and met with opposition in 
their own churches and were often dismissed from them.
  Out of these tent meetings, and the desire of this group to serve the 
Lord in ``Holiness'' in the Nation's Capital, a church was born. This 
church was the forerunner of the First Church of the Nazarene, which is 
now known as the National Church of the Nazarene, Washington, D.C. The 
name was changed in 1996 since ``National'' more appropriately 
described the true nature and mission of the church since its beginning 
in Washington. Its ministry and impact have been not only citywide, but 
nationwide and worldwide.
  From its humble beginnings at the tent meetings, the original group 
was determined to establish a Holiness Church in Washington. It first 
organized as the Wesleyan Pentecostal Church. As a result of 
differences, a portion of the group withdrew and formed the Pentecostal 
Church of the Nazarene. Several other attempts were made to establish 
the church but, for a number of reasons this did not materialize. Five 
years later, through the efforts of an ordained Nazarene minister, 
Reverend Leewin B. Williams and a converted layman, Mr. F.F. Sweeney, 
the group reformed. The deep desire of this group to become a permanent 
organization caused the General Superintendent to appoint Rev. W.E. 
Suber as the first pastor. In the fall of 1917, with 22 charter members 
the church was formed and was incorporated as the First Church of the 
Nazarene, Washington, D.C. in July 1920.
  Following the resignation of the first pastor, Rev. Williams, once 
again assumed leadership of the church. One of his first actions was to 
start a building fund. With $3,500 in the building fund and $450.00 in 
Liberty Bonds, the church purchased the Epworth Methodist Church 
building at 7th and A Streets, NE which had been significantly damaged 
by fire. After extensive renovation, singing ``We're Marching to 
Zion,'' the entire congregation marched the four blocks to the new 
church. The mortgage on that property was burned in 1942. This building 
now houses the Unity of Washington, D.C.
  In 1944, a building fund drive was initiated for a ``National Church 
of the Nazarene in Washington, D.C. and a lot was purchased a few 
blocks from the church home. The members saved dimes, which were placed 
in a large bucket, to be used for furnishing the new church. In 
December 1950 a $10,000 pipe organ was purchased from a radio station 
in Hagerstown, MD for the sum of $3,000--the same amount that was in 
the bucket at the time. Today, this organ stands in the National Church 
of the Nazarene at 16th and Webster Streets.
  In the 1940's, World War II brought many changes to the churches in 
Washington. Government workers and military personnel attended Sunday 
Schools and worship services. Some of them remained in the area after 
the War and made their homes here.
  In the late 1940's, Rev. Roy Stevens became the pastor. It became 
obvious that the lot purchased for the new church would not be adequate 
and it was sold. A lot was purchased at 16th and Webster Streets, NW 
for $22,000. However, because of the Korean War and the shortage of 
steel, the project was threatened with delay. After an extended period 
of prayer by the church and personal contacts Rev. Stevens made with 
government officials, sufficient steel was released for construction to 
proceed. On March 15, 1953, the new facilities, on 16th Street, 
representing a total investment of $430,000, were dedicated. Fifteen 
years later the mortgage was paid in full.
  During the early 1980's there was some thought that the future of the 
church would be best served by moving to the suburbs. After prayerful, 
careful analysis the church Board decided, unanimously, that this 
congregation should become a metropolitan church serving people of 
every race and culture and remain in Washington, D.C. A Hispanic 
Congregation began through a Portuguese Sunday School class taught by 
the wife of the Ambassador of Cape Verde. This congregation now totals 
90-100 members. In 1993, a Haitian ministry was formed with 13 members. 
They now have 50-60 members in attendance on Sunday mornings. The 
African Christian Fellowship, which ministered to students who had come 
to Washington, D.C. from their homes in Africa, outgrew their 
facilities at National Church and now have their own in nearby 
Maryland. The church has sponsored refugees from several countries 
including Viet Nam, Hungary and the Philippines. At present, 30 
different nationalities are represented in the church.
  In 1995, under the leadership of the present pastor, Rev. Michael T. 
Burns, an extensive repair and renovation program was undertaken in the 
main sanctuary. Membership now stands at 463--14 of whom have been 
members for more than 50 years. One person has been a member for 69 
years. An important undertaking, at present, is the development of the 
National Church of the Nazarene Foundation whose purpose is to maintain 
and perpetuate the ministry of the Church of the Nazarene in 
Washington, D.C. This will enable the church to develop more ministries 
that will create additional ports of entry into the church and to 
assist in its continuing commitment to reach the ever-changing and 
broadly diverse residents of the greater metropolitan Washington, D.C. 
area.
  Mr. Speaker, over the years the National Church of the Nazarene has 
been a ``sending'' Church--where people have come for a period of time 
and prepared to become active lenders in other areas. Many have gone 
from its altars as ministers, evangelists, missionaries and laymen. I 
ask this body to join me in sending a special ovation and salute to the 
National Church of the Nazarene on the occasion of its 80th anniversary 
celebration.

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