Westminster Presbyterian Church, located at the southwest corner of 4th and I St. SW, has been part of the neighborhood since 1853. On April 6, 2014 there was a unanimous vote of the members at a congregational meeting to support the recommendation of Westminster’s governing body “to actively pursue redevelopment of the church property as a strategy for ministry impact and sustainability and to establish a Redevelopment Committee.”
Co-Pastor Ruth Hamilton said, “This was a strong affirmation on the part of our 160-year old congregation that Westminster is committed is staying and growing in Southwest DC. This congregation has never wavered in its commitment to Southwest.”
The Redevelopment Steering Committee includes 10 members, eight of whom are Southwest residents. On July 10, the Committee released a Request for Qualifications to a wide-ranging list of developers including those who had already expressed interest. The church is committed to finding a development partner who will be responsive to Southwest’s needs and help the congregation create more sustainable multi-functional, aesthetically inspiring space to allow for greater service to the community.
Says Hamilton, “It is important to have more accessible space for spirituality, jazz, blues, great food, wellness programs, and other opportunities to build community for a growing Southwest neighborhood.”
If you or your group would like to meet with representatives of Westminster to talk about this opportunity, please contact the church office at 202-484-7700 or wpcdcoffice@gmail.com.