Foundry’s 1904 church is the last of four churches in Washington, D.C. designed by renowned architect Appleton P. Clark, Jr. It is unique in Clark’s portfolio for its full embrace of the Gothic Revival style. An architectural anchor in historic Dupont Circle, the church has been present at every shift in the neighborhood’s history. From its 19th-century start as an elite residential enclave, during the 20th century the neighborhood grew as a center of African American life, social activism, and LGBTQ+ culture, with Foundry UMC transforming to serve the changing community. The church opened its doors to Korean refugees in the 1950s, sheltered neighbors during the 1968 civil unrest, became a hub for LGBTQ+ activism, and supported Black Lives Matter protesters in 2020.

Foundry UMC houses numerous programs in its building to support and nurture the surrounding community. In addition to housing the D.C. chapter of Books to Prisons, the congregation provides meeting space for multiple support groups including Alcoholics Anonymous, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, and SMART Recovery. The ID Ministry program aims to assist low-income residents in acquiring photo identification, the absence of which can be a barrier to obtaining benefits and housing. Volunteers have helped thousands of people through the process of obtaining photo IDs, with D.C. social service agencies regularly referring clients to Foundry.

A $500,000 National Fund Grant with $500,000 in matching funds raised by the congregation will support addressing emergency repairs to the church’s historic façade and bell tower, helping to ensure Foundry UMC’s future in offering refuge and hope to its community.

Photo by Phil Carney