Logan Circle in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Care for the City
A Fitting Tribute
— Logan Circle Heritage Trail —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2017
Luther Place Memorial Church has been a neighborhood fixture since 1873, when the Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church established it as a "memorial to God's goodness in delivering the land from slavery and from war." It quickly established a reputation for community service. A century later, this very urban church was galvanized by civil disturbances following the 1968 assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Place offered shelter during and after the riots, and provided food, clothing and medical care for thousands of affected people.
With the 1970 arrival of the Reverend John Steinbruck, the church expanded its social justice program. New women's shelters eventually became N Street Village, a community of empowerment and recovery for homeless and low-income women. Luther Place hosted the Community for Creative Non-Violence, which operated Zacchaeus Medical Clinic, housing for offenders awaiting trial, and a group residence. Zacchaeus later merged with Bread for the City, which was organized by Luther Place in 1976. The church declared itself a sanctuary for refugees of the war in El Salvador (1979-1992).
Social justice leaders, including Harriet Tubman, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Dr. King, Dorothy Day, and St. Francis of Assissi are memorialized in stained-glass windows and outdoor murals. The church building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
Just behind you, near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and N Street, is where the organizing meeting for what would be Howard University took place in 1867. Dr. Charles B. Boynton of the First Congregational Society hosted the meeting in his home (since demolished).
Erected 2012 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Logan Circle Heritage Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 38° 54.391′ N, 77° 1.894′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Logan Circle. Marker is on Vermont Avenue Northwest north of Thomas Circle Northwest, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1226 Vermont Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Presidents' Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Hello! My name is Dawn Redwood. (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General George H. Thomas
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2017
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2017
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2017
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2017
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on March 8, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 2, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.