Almost 30 years ago, Reid Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church followed a path trod by many a congregation, a business and a family — out of Washington and into the suburbs. Come Saturday nights, you’ll now find members of Reid Temple gathered in a borrowed sanctuary near Logan Circle, singing along with the choir: “We’re glad to be at Reid Temple, where the spirit of the Lord is in control. In that time, Watley said, about 250 new members have started attending the D.C. service at least once a month. Clearly, the growth in congregations was all in the suburbs — and many D.C. churches decamped for Maryland and Virginia, often following their members who had already moved there. Reid Temple was just starting its first D.C. services about that time, and a friend suggested that Myrie try it.

Source: Washington Post February 22, 2017 23:51 UTC