Saying Goodbye To The Kojo Nnamdi Show
On this last episode, we look back on 23 years of joyous, difficult and always informative conversation.
After 149 years, Lincoln Congregational Temple United Christ Church, a historic black church located in Washington's Shaw neighborhood, is closing its doors-- the area's black population has dwindled, as has the church's membership, while maintenance costs of the historic church have increased.
Lincoln Temple United Church of Christ once drew thousands to its services each Sunday. Founded in 1869 as a mission for newly freed slaves, the church would go on to become a haven for civil rights activists a century later. Praised for its strong acoustics and Romanesque architecture, Lincoln Temple hosted famed singers from Marian Anderson to Jessye Norman and Roberta Flack. The church’s former pastor, Channing Phillips, was the first black man nominated for president by a major political party.
But the church fell on rough times. As Shaw and Logan Circle began to gentrify, many black residents were priced out — and black houses of worship, like Lincoln Temple United, were left with dwindling congregations.
This past Sunday, the church celebrated its final service. Kojo explores the church’s rich history — and what the dissolution means for the remaining congregation.
Guests
- Hamil Harris Journalist; Professor, Morgan State University School of Global Journalism and Communications; @HamilHarris
- Jeanne Cooper Church Moderator and Chief Lay Officer
- Marvin Silver Associate Conference Minister of the Central Atlantic Conference, United Church of Christ
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