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What to expect | Children at All Souls | Directions

Welcome to All Souls Church!

For more than 180 years now, our congregation has sought to live up to the vision inherent in our name, "All Souls." It's a vision of a human community where all people are welcome at the table. Where the divisions that separate us in our daily lives come tumbling down and we recognize ourselves as part of one human family.

We are a Unitarian Universalist congregation, diverse in many ways, but united in our belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and the obligation to express our faith through acts of justice and compassion.

We hope that you will join us as we create a diverse, justice-seeking, spirit-growing community that is true to the dream of "All Souls."



Come Join Us

Please join us on Sunday mornings for a joyful, uplifting and thought provoking worship service. Here's a little of what you can expect:

Our service begins at the time announced on the home page, but we suggest you arrive a little early, to fill out a guest's card and get a name tag at the Welcome Table just inside the main entrance at 16th and Harvard Streets. The guest's card will allow you to receive a trial subscription to our newsletter so you can learn more about what's happening at All Souls.

The service begins with a time for meditation, accompanied by an organ prelude. During this time, all are welcome to light a candle of joy, sorrow or memory at the front of the church.

By about 11:00 the service begins in earnest with a rousing Processional Hymn lead by the choir and a Call to Worship.

Music is an important and enriching part of the service at All Souls. Our music director, John Strang, works with our ministers to tailor the music to the topic of the sermon and the service as a whole. Our musicians draw from a rich and diverse range of music, including African-American spirituals, traditional Jewish music, and hymns from the Unitarian Universalist hymnal, Singing the Living Tradition. Our music program includes the talents of three choirs (the All Souls Choir, the Jubilee Singers, which perform traditional African-American music, and the DC Children's Choir. (Anyone is welcome to join the choirs; All Souls Choir rehearsals are held every Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and the Jubilee Singers rehearse every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., except in summer.)

After another hymn, we welcome one another with a handshake or hug, or other appropriate greeting. In addition, guests are especially welcomed and asked to stand or raise their hands. (Don't worry, you won't have to say anything! We'd just like to know where you are so we can give you a special welcome.)

The service continues with a time for prayer, more stirring music, an inspiring reading, and our sung response, the moving Unitarian hymn, "Spirit of Life."

The 15- to 20-minute sermon by one of our ministers is central to the worship service. Sermons at All Souls Church engage the heart and spirit, as well as the mind. Each sermon seeks to give us the spiritual sustenance we need to live our lives and make our world a better place. More music and singing follow the sermon, and then we are sent on our way with a Benediction.

After the worship service, members of the congregation gather for fellowship, coffee and tea, and lunch in Pierce Hall, which is located through the double doors to the right of the sanctuary. As a guest, you are invited to join us for a free lunch in Pierce Hall. (Just pick up a ticket when you fill out your guest's card.) On most Sundays, Pierce Hall is vibrant with the signs of our church's community. Information tables for social justice events, to sign cards for members of the congregation who are sick, and other causes and events are typically set up around Pierce Hall.

An information table is also available, should you have questions about Unitarian Universalism, membership in our church, or anything else. If you are interested in learning more about membership at All Souls, please visit our membership page.



Children at All Souls

On the first Sunday of the month and special holidays, the children begin the service in the Sanctuary, and enjoy a story with the minister. On other Sundays, most children go directly to their religious education classes. As a guest, your child can choose to stay with you in the service or participate in the religious education classes. Nursery care is also provided. For more information about our exciting, progressive and multicultural religious education program, please visit our Religious Education page.



Directions

All Souls is located at 1500 Harvard Street NW, where the neighborhoods of Columbia Heights, Adams Morgan, and Mount Pleasant come together. The main entrance to the sanctuary is on 16th Street.

ARRIVING BY METRORAIL:

The closest Metro stop is the Columbia Heights station on the green and yellow lines. As you exit the turnstyles, take the escalators to the left or the elevator. At the top, walk south two blocks on 14th Street and make a right on Harvard Street. The church is one block down on your left. The church is the large red-brick building with the clock tower at 15th and Harvard. To plan your trip, use the RideGuide. Click here for a Metro system map.

ARRIVING BY CAR:

From points South:
Take 95 to 395 North over the 14th Street Bridge.
Take 14th Street, and turn left onto R street.
Turn right onto 16th Street.
Turn right onto Harvard Street. The church is on the right.

From Route 66 or Route 50:
Take Rte 50/66 to the Roosevelt Bridge.
Exit onto E Street.
Turn left on 18th Street and stay in the right lane.
Turn right onto Columbia Road.
Cross 16th Street. The church is on the right at Harvard and 16th.

From 495 and points North:
Take 495 to the Georgia Avenue exit.
Stay in the far right lane, and veer onto 16th Street.
Turn right onto Harvard Street.
Make an immediate U-turn on the left to Columbia Road.
Cross 16th Street, and the church is on the right.