First United Church of Jesus Christ

First United Church of Jesus Christ: The first and the last

Hi folks! I'm back from my road trip and a few days of rest. Thought I'd start things up again by recommencing my Churches of 16th Street series. Not very auspicious; I promise tomorrow's content will be far more fun.

This is the First United Church of Jesus Christ located at 7901 16th Street NW. It is the first church you see on 16th Street if you're entering the District from Maryland and the last church you see as you leave the District. I couldn't find any information online about the church or congregation. If anyone knows the history of this church, let me know.

Update at 7:30 p.m.: Thanks to Andrea for finding a link to this church. I missed the word "Apostolic" in the name of the congregation. The one word resulted in a link. Here it is. Thanks, Andrea!

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential/Janet Kincaid

Washington Ethical Society

Washington Ethical Society: A humanistic religious community

Of all the churches along 16th Street, the Washington Ethical Society intrigues me the most. I keep meaning to attend a service to check it out, but haven't been yet. Having taken a class or two in grad school in ethics and social justice, the focus of the WES fascinates me. I don't know whether to think of WES as ironic in a town peopled by an overabundance of politicians, lobbyists, and lawyers who often lack ethics or a sign of hope that the same players can be people of conscience, justice, and ethical behavior. Either way, every time I drive past the WES, I feel glad that there's someone in this town talking about humanistic, ethical ideals.

Mosaic on the side of the WES building
(Click to enlarge)

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah Synagogue

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah--the National Synagogue

Located at 1600 Jonquil Street NW, Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah Synagogue describes itself as "the National Synagogue." The synagogue is a merger of two congregations whose respective histories date back to the late 1880s and early 1890s.

Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah is a merger of two congregations originally founded in the late 1800s

Founded in 1886, Ohev Shalom was formed by a group of Russian Orthodox Jews who fled their homeland under the despotic rule of Czar Alexander III. The congregation originally met on the second floor of Myer's Clothing store in the 1100 block of 7th Street NW. Established in 1892, Torah Talmud was a group of 28 families in southwest Washington who gathered daily to hold minyans. They first met in Isaac Levy's clothing store at 4 1/2 Street SW. In 1958, the two congregations merged and in 1960, they dedicated the Ohev Shalom Talmud Torah Synagogue at 16th and Jonquil, where they've gathered ever since.

The synagogue is located directly across the street from last week's featured church--the Tifereth Israel Congregation.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

Tifereth Israel Congregation

Tifereth Israel Congregation:
A friendly, communal synagogue at the northern edge of the city
(Click image to enlarge)

Only a few more churches and synagogues left on 16th Street and then I'll be done with this series! Located at 7701 16th Street NW is the Tifereth Israel Congregation. Tifereth describes itself as "a participatory, egalitarian, and innovative Conservative synagogue" that is "welcoming, 'hamish' and committed." (I'm not sure what it means to be "hamish." If anyone out there knows, I'd love to learn more.)

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church

Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church

While not directly on 16th Street, Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Church is just off of 16th on Alaska Avenue. Located at 7142 Alaska Avenue NW, Our Lady of Lebanon includes the sanctuary above, as well as a seminary for Maronite priests.

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential

Praise the Squirrel!

Baptist church with doors just hollerin' out for y'all to come on in...

Yesterday's 2.7 mile walk took me through parts of Brightwood, Takoma, and Shepherd Park with a final stretch along Georgia Avenue again. When I walked past the Shepherd Park Baptist Church, the doors called out to be photographed. They were practically screaming "COME ON IN!" I just stood on the sidewalk and took a picture.

Hey! Dude! Throw me back my beads, man...

Part of my walk included a couple of blocks on Aspen Street, where I captured this cute little guy chillin' in the gutter. He looked very Mardi Gras up there, only sans beads and baubles. He sat very still for me and was quite photogenic. Finally, an animal that cooperated!

To see a few more photos from yesterday's walk, visit Standing Room Only.


Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 07/08