Interfaith Leaders Celebrate 10 Years of Service at Capitol Hill Meetinghouse

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Washington, D.C., celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Capitol Hill meetinghouse at 7th and G Streets SE with a special interfaith event. The meetinghouse was hailed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as “more than a place of worship,” serving as a “safe space for community” and benefitting many Washingtonians. The celebration highlighted interfaith unity, featuring an invocation and benediction from leaders of neighboring Seventh-Day Adventist and Jewish congregations. Attendees participated in a fundraising effort for the non-profit Good Neighbors Capitol Hill, which serves refugee families in need.

The history of the Church in the nation’s capital dates back to the 1839 visit of the Prophet Joseph Smith. After meeting in various locations over the decades, the current Capitol Hill presence began with a small congregation in 1991. Today, the Capitol Hill Ward, Washington DC ASL Branch, and Eastern Market Young Single Adult Ward thrive in the building, which was designed to blend with the historic neighborhood. The congregation has established a strong legacy of service over the past decade through efforts such as helping refugees, supporting the homeless at Shirley’s Place, packing meals with Islamic Relief, and hosting Children’s National blood drives.

Dr. Emil Peeler, Senior Pastor of the Capitol Hill Seventh-Day Adventist Church, provided the invocation and encouraged guests to “count their blessings” and “count on God.” Photo by Deanna Lee.

Board members and friends of Good Neighbors Capitol Hill from various congregations take a photo in the Capitol Hill Chapel. Photo by Linda Mellgren.