About Twelfth Street Christian Church

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Our mission is to spread the message of love, compassion, and understanding through the teachings of Twelfth Street Christian Church. We believe that everyone has the right to be happy and fulfilled, and that this can only be achieved through a deep understanding of Twelfth Street Christian Church.

 Twelfth Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) had its beginning in August 1914 when a group of dedicated
African American brothers and sisters met to formulate plans to organize the U Street Christian Church. In
November of that same year, the small band of Christians moved to 502 K Street and the name was changed to
Massachusetts Avenue Christian Church. The church strongly desired resignation from the membership in the
"Disciple Union", the governing body of the Christian Church in the District of Columbia at that time because of
racial policies.
Following the presentation of appropriate credentials and the subsequent granting of recognition and membership
to the church, letters of introduction and a press release were made announcing the establishment of the Colored
Christian Church.
Prayer, dedication, and hard work sustained the congregation as it made yet another move and another name
change in 1917. The church moved to a larger site at 641 R Street and then became known as the R Street
Christian Church. In July 1919, a lot on 12th Street between S and T Streets, N.W. was purchased and became -
known as the site for the future home of the Christian Church. In 1924, an edifice of the Twelfth Street Christian
Church was built and soon became a vital and important structure in the community.
The dream of a completed building was always uppermost in the minds of the congregation. In spite of five
decades of struggle, many dashed hopes and broken dreams, this vision became a reality in 1967, when the present
sanctuary was completed and dedicated.
Twelfth Street Christian Church is a member of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) and the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Twelfth Street Christian Church
was the oldest original African American Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Capital Area Region.
In its 114 year history, Twelfth Street Christian Church has officially "called" and installed eleven Senior Pastors.
Reverends Robert Gooden, Dr. John F. Whitfield, Albert Anonye, Bryon Seath, Dr. George W. Jones, Booker J.
Dickerson, Edward Ducree, Charles Webb, Wesley Robinson, Andrea Foster and Dr. Paul H. Saddler.