Historic Mt. Zion UMC Holds Community Celebration for 210th Anniversary

September 30, 2026

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Georgetown celebrated its 210th anniversary with a community festival on September 26th that included musical performances, vendor booths, and guided tours of its historic cemetery. Established in October 1816 by both enslaved and free Black individuals, the church represents the oldest African American religious congregation in Washington, D.C. The article's publisher reflects on her father's founding vision for the newspaper more than six decades ago as a vehicle for community empowerment.

Who is affected

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church congregation and members
Georgetown community residents
Local vendors who participated in the festival
Attendees of the Dr. Thornell Page Community event
Readers of the newspaper founded by Dr. Calvin W. Rolark

What action is being taken

The church held the Dr. Thornell Page Community event featuring live music, local vendors, and historic cemetery tours.

Why it matters

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church represents a significant piece of African American history as the oldest Black congregation in the nation's capital, founded during a time when both enslaved and free people came together to establish a place of worship. The anniversary celebration honors over two centuries of community resilience and provides an opportunity to educate people about this important historical landmark and the role it has played in Georgetown's African American heritage.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer