About us
Ministry Leaders:
Minister/Leader: Dr. Wade M. Poole
Leader: Brother Alphonso Nelson
The East Capitol Street Church of Christ had its beginning on April 8, 1962. The first services were held at the Y.M.C.A. facilities in down town Washington, DC. Including children, there were 47 in attendance, all of whom worshipped previously at the Thirteenth St. congregation in Northwest Washington, DC. The birth of this new congregation was the result of the heart-felt conviction of a group of believers whose vision was to have the church of our Lord established in the northeast section of the District. This idea was met with tremendous enthusiasm by sister congregations of the area. Not only did they give their encouragement, but their generous financial support as well. There were “A thousand and one” (so to speak) helpful hands and hearts in the formative stages of the East Capitol Street Church of Christ. But of the “thousand”, there were two men who towered above everyone else: Junius R. Stevens, the first minister of the church, and George Barnett, one of the first elders. Brother Barnett was a building contractor and was responsible for the construction of the facilities in which the assembly presently meets. Under the direction of its elders and minister, the church doubled in membership in less than three years after its beginning. It was also one of the fastest to become fully organized and self-supporting. Its effectiveness continued to be seen and felt as others served as elders, deacons and ministers. Through the years the church has ministered to the community and in foreign lands through radio broadcast; the supporting of missionaries in Ghana and the Bahamas; assistance to Herald of Truth, Rainbow Christian Services, student preachers, Camp WaMaVa and the feeding of the hungry and homeless. Certainly, our resources are definitely limited, but we intend to “Do all we can with what we have, for the Lord;” for each of us realizes that, “A Better Church Begins with Me.”
