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

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, this 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. The first elected trustees of the church were: Charles Ash, George Anderson, Gyden Camp, Sr., McQueen Davis, Albert Edwards, Hillary Edwards, Jeffery Moore, Robert Pettigrew and Elias Prince.

The first elected Treasurer was Hillary Edwards. Members of the Finance Committee were: Helena Ash (Financial Secretary), Elizabeth Price, Albert Edwards, Dorothy Carroll, Elias Prince, Gyden Camp, Sr., and McQueen Davis.

Members of the Banking Committee were: Rev. McKay, Emily Thompson Butler and Hillary Edwards. Sister Vivian Clark was elected to serve as the Church Clerk and Catherine Gray served as Church School Superintendent,. Sister Lillian Edwards was elected the First District Steward of Community Church.

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 a merger of the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethren Church (EUB) took place. As a result of that merger 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.

Under the pastorate of Rev. Ford, two ministers were ordained

into the Ministry by the Baltimore Annual Conference. They were

Rev. Donald C. Adams and Rev. John Forkkio. Rev. Hillary Edwards and Rev. Gyden Camp, Jr. also came into the Ministry during Rev. Ford’s tenure.

After having served for eighteen years, Rev. Ford was appointed to Asbury United Methodist Church in Frederick, Maryland.

In June of 1977, Reverend Donald C. Adams was appointed by the Annual Conference to serve Community United Methodist Church. 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 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 frequently reminded the Officers of their duties and proper procedures according to our Discipline. He kept us informed about the School of Christian Growth and urged all of the Officers of the Church to attend. Rev. Logan theorized that attendance at these workshops would strengthen and enable us to become knowledgeable and effective officers. He also urged all Lay Leaders and Lay Speakers to attend Annual Sessions of 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 under the Directorship of Harriet Scott. Also, we purchased a Bus for transporting members to fellowship with other churches and various other functions. In addition, to fellowshipping with other churches; we organized a ball team for the youth and young at heart called the Chapelrells, who in turn challenged the over the hill gang. The Chapelrells won every game.

In 1984, we were unable to pay a full-time minister so it was voted on at Charge Conference to hire a part-time minister.

Reverend Obie Wright was appointed the Pastor of our charge which included Community and Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. Rev. Wright always emphasized the significance of Tithing. He never failed to refer to our connection with the Conference and what it meant to us. Rev. Wright stressed keeping our apportionment current, attending workshops and anything associated with the uplifting of the Church.

We were blessed with the assignment of an Assistant Minister,

Rev. Irving Moye. Rev. Moye aided Rev. Wright in alternating services between Community and Mt. Vernon. Rev. Moye was no stranger to us and we were very pleased that he accepted this position.

In July 1987, Reverend Marian E. Dunmore was appointed to serve at Community and Petworth United Methodist Church in the Washington Urban Charge. Reverend Connie Smith served as her assistant. Rev. Dunmore was a dedicated servant and a deliver of the Word. She reminded officers to study the discipline of the church.

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 deliverer of the Word.

In February 1990, "One More Made Free," A Christ-Centered Drug Oppression Relief Program was launched. This program was under the direction of a dedicated christian couple, Brother Enoch and

Sister Margaret Gregory.

Under Rev. Matthew’s leadership, we had a Mortgage Burning Ceremony on Sunday, September 14, 1991. She introduced many Ecumenical Services to us. We organized an Annual Gospel Spring Fling, which was one of our most exciting fund raising events. 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.

Those programs included Share (Food Distribution), Nursing Home Ministry and as needed relief to our neighbors far and near.

In July 1995, Reverend Donna A. Smith was appointed to serve Community. Rev. Smith had been an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church for more than ten years. She was a dynamic speaker and good teacher of the Word. She desired to see the church go forward.

Rev. Smith was an inspiration to the sick and shut-in, who looked forward to her visits.

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. Dr. Brown brought with him an extraordinary amount of accomplishments and experiences. We, at Community, were privileged to have someone of his caliber to lead us and guide us in our spiritual growth.

In November 2005, Reverend Mamie A. Williams was assigned to work with Community as Interim Pastor. Rev. Brown was terminally ill and could no longer serve as Pastor. Rev. Brown was called to his heavenly Father on February 1, 2006.

Rev. Williams is a deeply spiritual person and brought over 30 years of ministerial knowledge to Community. Despite her job as Executive Director of the Multi-Ethnic Center for Ministry of the Northeastern Jurisdiction, she still managed to exemplify Christ’s outreaching love in being Pastor and friend.

You could always talk to her without ever feeling you were being rushed.

The spiritual life of the Church grew under Rev. Williams leadership.

Rev. Williams believed in following the Liturgical Calendar, the Book of Worship and the Book of Discipline. She liked all music but especially loved

the old hymns of the Church. Rev. Williams held many positions and received numerous awards but she held her Christian journey closest to her heart.

We were blessed to have had her with us, though it was only for a short period of time.

In July 2006, Rev. Jalene Chase was appointed as the eleventh Pastor of Community United Methodist Church. 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 seen the church grow spiritually, financially and numerically. 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; 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.

Rev. Chase has received numerous awards, certifications, certificates, recognitions and honors in her lifetime, but she feels that what is most important in her life is being a child of God.