The history of the Metropolitan AME Church is very important in the development of the AME Church in the District of Columbia. The impetus for the organization of the church was dissatisfaction among the District of Columbia’s black community with the predominately white Ebenezer Methodist Episcopal Church. One group of parishioners organized themselves and petitioned for the first AME church in the District. The building that houses Metropolitan was built at a cost of $70,000 and dedicated on May 30, 1886. The church was designed by architect George Dearing. Throughout its history, the church has had parishioners who were very important in the history of Washington’s African American community, including Frederick Douglass and Altheia Turner. Funeral services for Frederick Douglass and former US Senator Blanche K. Bruce were held at the church.
The Metropolitan AME Church is located at 1518 M St., NW. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Services are held on Sunday at 8:00 am and 11:00 am. For information call 202/331-1426. Metro stop: Farragut West