Photo by PoPville flickr user Lucas Keene
From MPD:
“TRAFFIC ADVISORY: 2019 United House of Prayer Memorial Day Parade
On Saturday, May 25, 2019, the United House of Prayer will be hosting their Memorial Day Parade in the District of Columbia.. In conjunction with this event, there will be several street closures that motorists should take into consideration:
The following streets will be closed and posted as Emergency No Parking for the parade assembly from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m:
• M Street, NW from 5th Street to 7th Street, NW
The following streets will be closed for the parade from approximately 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m: (more…)
18th and Church St, NW
Thanks to Nora for sending:
“As I was walking home yesterday, I was shocked to see that St Thomas Church (18th/P NW) was up, doors open and welcoming the neighborhood in an open house. I live near there and the construction has been going on for a couple years, but I hadn’t noticed anything seeming to be finished. (more…)
13th and Monroe Street, NW
Back in 2104 I had posted that the Mt. Rona Baptist Church was for sale in Columbia Heights. I guess it sold, whoa. Thanks to Jay for sending updated photos: (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user DCbmyers
“Marvel at a vast, open space unlike anything you’ve seen in Washington. Inside the darkened Cathedral, moving lights illuminate the gothic architecture for a one-of-a-kind experience. The Cathedral would like to thank Atmosphere Lighting and Pike Productions for supporting or partnering with us on this annual week of events!”
Ed. Note: Tickets for the rest of the week here.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Victoria Pickering
More magical photos: (more…)
A reader reported at 9:50am:
“I live on the same block as the church and 20 min ago felt three explosions, rattle the windows of my apartment. I went outside and the street is blocked off to Oak NW, fire fighting at the Education building of he church. Hoping that everyone that was inside is alright.”
DC Fire and EMS reported:
“Cause remains undetermined. Church services not in progress when fire occurred.” (more…)
11th and R Street, NW
From a press release:
“Lincoln Congregational Temple, founded in 1868 and on the eve of its 150th Anniversary, voted on Sunday August 5th to dissolve, owing to dwindling finances, low membership, limited member resources and engagement, changes within the surrounding community, and an undetermined mission and ministry.
A letter form its Moderator to Lincoln Family Members is attached. (more…)
18th and Church St, NW before construction started
Ed. Note: CityPaper reported that the building’s ground floor footprint exceeds the 80% maximum lot occupancy and “The issue will now go back to the Board of Zoning Adjustment for further consideration.”
A reader passes on from St. Thomas’ Parish:
“Dear neighbors,
As you may have noticed the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has issued a stop work order (SWO) for 1772 Church Street as a result of the decision from the DC Supreme Court, which sent the decision back to the zoning the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). Our hope is to resolve this matter as quickly as possible and resume work. There is a great deal of construction fatigue in this area and I suspect we all would all want this project to resume and be completed as soon as possible. I don’t know anyone who wants a semi-built building in the neighborhood.
Vacated And Remanded decision from the DC Supreme Court (PDF)
In the mean time, you may notice workers on site performing certain tasks to ensure the site is safe, delivery of materials, and people performing administrative tasks. All of this is permissible under a SWO. DCRA officials have been on site this morning and clarified this issue. Below is an email from Garret Whitescarver (DCRA) which authorizes us to perform tasks to ensure the safety of the building and the public safety of this neighborhood. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman
I told you this was gonna be awesome!!
Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman
Photo by PoPville flickr user John Sonderman
3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW
From an email:
“Monday through Friday, experiences will include a cosmic mass, an indoor light show, yoga, meditation, an indoor carnival and on the final night, an indoor picnic with screenings of The Hunchback of Notre Dame followed by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story!
Visitors are also encouraged to visit the emptied Cathedral during the day to gain a new perspective of the stained glass.
Space is limited and RSVPs are required. Check out the schedule here.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.
Thanks to a reader for passing on this letter:
“Dear friends,
Two years ago, following a tragic shooting at a church in Charleston, S.C., then-Dean Gary Hall called for the removal of two stained glass windows at the Cathedral that honor Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson.
At that time, we began a process to engage this community in deep questions of racial justice, the legacy of slavery and God’s call to us in the 21st century. Over the past two years, we have heard from deeply passionate voices who have engaged with us and held us accountable to this process, and we thank them.
The programs we have hosted, the conversations within our community and national events have brought greater focus on the key question facing us: Are these windows, installed in 1953, an appropriate part of the sacred fabric of a spiritual home for the nation?
After considerable prayer and deliberation, the Cathedral Chapter voted Tuesday to immediately remove the windows. The Chapter believes that these windows are not only inconsistent with our current mission to serve as a house of prayer for all people, but also a barrier to our important work on racial justice and racial reconciliation. Their association with racial oppression, human subjugation and white supremacy does not belong in the sacred fabric of this Cathedral.
These windows will be deconsecrated, removed, conserved and stored until we can determine a more appropriate future for them. The window openings and stone work in the Lee-Jackson Bay will be covered over until we determine what will go in their place.
There are several things that we know to be true: (more…)
