Georgetown Lutheran Church Celebrates 250 Years

WASHINGTON, DC — Located on the corner of Volta Place and Wisconsin Avenue is a Lutheran church that predates the American Revolution. And on Sunday, more than 100 people gathered at Georgetown Lutheran Church to celebrate its 250th year.

At the anniversary celebration, the congregation participated in a Festival Worship — which featured the debut of a commissioned choral anthem — learned about the church's history, and — of course — popped champagne.

Some people came as far as Colorado for the event, according to Pastor Brett Davis.

"(This is) a community that is really alive," Davis said. "And, right now, we are young and serving and working on preserving our history."

Georgetown Lutheran Church's original building — a small temple of forest-hewn logs — was erected in 1769, more than 32 years before Washington, D.C. became the nation's capital. For a century, the congregation didn't have a regular pastor.

Members worshipped and attended school at the church until 1867, when the cornerstone was laid for a new, one-story stone building. And in 1914, the fourth and present church edifice was erected.