Shaw in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Spiritual Life
Midcity at the Crossroads
— Shaw Heritage Trail —
Washington’s first black Muslim temple opened in 1940 when the Nation of Islam established Temple No. 4 at 1525-1527 Ninth Street. The Nation of Islam’s second national leader, Elijah Muhammad (1897-1975), presided over the event. Founded in Chicago in 1931 by Wallace Fard, the Nation of Islam stands for discipline, racial pride, and respect for women, Allah and the Qu’ran, justice, pacifism, and the separation of African Americans from White society.
In 1960 the temple, renamed Masjid Muhammad Mosque, moved nearby to 1519 Fourth Street where Malcolm X briefly served as its leader.
The story of Shiloh Baptist Church, across the street began during the Civil War. The Union Army, about to attack Fredericksburg, Virginia, offered safe passage to Washington for enslaved or free Blacks wanting to flee. Some 400 members of Fredericksburg’s accepted, and in 1863 founded Washington’s Shiloh Baptist Church on L Street, NW, west of 16th. In 1924 Shiloh moved here to what had been Hamline Methodist Church. When some White neighbors objected, the owner of Hamline Church’s organ paid a janitor to set the organ of fire, damaging the building. Unbowed, Shiloh members repaired the church and flourished. The church was rebuilt after another major fire in 1991. Like other churches in Shaw, Shiloh, with its Family Life Center, serves as a social gathering place. Shiloh is especially known for its Civil Rights work, housing assistance, and music ministry. Soprano Marian Anderson, the Wings Over Jordan gospel singers, and many others have performed at Shiloh.
Erected 2006 by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number 5.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion • Civil Rights. In addition, it is included in the Shaw Heritage Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.
Location. 38° 54.591′ N, 77° 1.432′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Shaw. Marker is on 9th Street Northwest north of P Street Northwest, on the right when traveling north. This is marker five of a set of seventeen included with this Cultural DC Heritage Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1500 9th Street Northwest, Washington DC 20001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Carter G. Woodson House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Working for the Race (about 400 feet away); Alley Life (about 500 feet away); Carter G. Woodson (about 500 feet away); The Fires of 1968 (about 600 feet away); Phyllis Wheatley YWCA (about 700 feet away); Squares 336, 337 & 364 (about 700 feet away); Safe Havens (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Also see . . .
1. Malcolm X. (Submitted on March 6, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
2. Marian Anderson. (Submitted on March 6, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional commentary.
1. Masjid Muhammad
In 1960 the temple was constructed. It is the first mosque or masjid in the United States built by formerly enslaved African American Muslims. Originally it was called Muhammad's Mosque #4 and is still located at 1519 Fourth Street, NW. Later after coming under the leadership of Elijah Muhammad's son, Warith Deen Mohammed, the building was renamed Masjid Muhammad Mosque.
— Submitted February 21, 2023, by John S Bilal of District Heights, Maryland.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 6, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,351 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. submitted on March 6, 2010, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3. submitted on February 21, 2023, by John S Bilal of District Heights, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the marker reverse. • A better wide shot of the marker. • Can you help?