Introducing “ON THIS DAY,” an article series celebrating the United Methodist Building’s 100th year anniversary.
Each month in 2024, Church and Society will highlight notable days offering glimpses into the momentous 100-year history of the United Methodist Building and the people called Methodists often walking along side ecumenical partners living their faith through social witness.
ON THIS DAY… January 10, 1924
On Capitol Hill, The United Methodist Building’s life began 100 years ago. It opened on this day in January 1924. The groundbreaking of what was then called the Methodist Building began in 1923.
The remarkable construction of this building and 100 years of faith-based witness demonstrates what engagement of Methodist people can accomplish. The promotion of justice and the pursuit of peace marks this historic building and the mission of the United Methodist Church.
Today, the United Methodist Building on Capitol Hill is a center of activity for United Methodists to gather often with faith partners to host meetings, organize conferences, offer seminars, plan rallies and advocate for policy and legislative justice. The actions, responses and advocacy of this vital social justice ministry continue to move at a rapid pace on Capitol Hill and at the United Nations. Issues of peacebuilding, immigration, migration, civil and human rights, health care for all, climate, racial/ethnic justice have permeated the work with many successes over the years, offering inspiration for the challenges ahead. Learn more at www.umcjustice.org
To purchase the 2024 United Methodist Building historical book written by Dr. Jessica M. Smith, For Justice and Enduring Peace: One Hundred Years of Social Witness, visit Cokesbury Publishing.
To watch our video, “Celebrating 100 Years of Social Witness,” and for more information on the year of celebration, go to our 100th Anniversary webpage.