Mount Vernon Place
United Methodist Church

Mount Vernon Place UMC voted in 2005 to sell a portion of its property to a local developer and enter into an exciting new partnership with Wesley Theological Seminary, located at 4500 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Wesley is one of the thirteen United Methodist seminaries in the United States.

In 2007, our two educational buildings were demolished. A large hole was dug, and a new mixed-use building with office and retail space emerged from the ground. The proceeds from the property sale allowed the church to purchase new ministry space for a fellowship hall, kitchen, classrooms, offices and gathering spaces in this new building, all of which were dedicated on October 25, 2009.

In addition, our 1917 historic sanctuary and its building have been completely restored to its original beauty in addition to adding different spaces including a shower facility that is shared with our unhoused neighbors and many other spaces that are serving a variety of needs and functions. The congregation returned to this building in July of 2008.

Through the innovative partnership, Mount Vernon Place UMC is benefitting from the rich resources of Wesley Theological Seminary, and Wesley students are learning about urban ministry in the "teaching labs" of Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church, Asbury United Methodist Church, and other downtown congregations. Wesley Seminary is housing 17 students in the new building, and seminary classes are being taught at the church in the evenings.

The facility is a complete gift from God, and we are grateful for the ways in which it will continue to be used by many people for many purposes in the future.