5357230 ACR 20-257, Immaculate Conception Church 150th Anniversary Recognition Resolution of 2014

A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION

 

20-257 

 

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

 

October 7, 2014

 

 

To recognize and honor Immaculate Conception Church for its many contributions to the citizens of the city of Washington, D.C., and congratulate Immaculate Conception Church on 150 years of service.

 

 

WHEREAS,  Immaculate Conception Church is located in center of the city in the historic Shaw community;

 

            WHEREAS,  Immaculate Conception Church was built in 1864 during the Civil War, when President Lincoln allowed churches to be built as a gesture for prayers for peace between the States, despite a general suspension of construction of public buildings due to the war effort;

 

WHEREAS, after the 1968 riots, Reverend Monsignor J. Joshua Mundell led the way for maintaining the parish community through the construction of Immaculate Conception Apartments at 7^th & O Streets, N.W., and the Washington Apartments along 7^th Street. 

 

            WHEREAS, Reverend Mundell was named “Shepherd of Shaw” for his bold efforts of maintaining the parish community, and in 2001, was succeeded by Reverend Monsignor James D. Watkins  as the 12^th pastor who, working with the Council, named N Street directly in front of the church at 8^th & N “Msgr J. Mundell Way”;

 

            WHEREAS, in 2003, the church properties—church, rectory, convent, and school—were placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior;

 

            WHEREAS, although the Catholic school was closed in 2008, having served the needs of education since 1864, Immaculate Conception Church continues to offer education services to the children of the neighborhood through the public charter school system; and

           

            WHEREAS,  Immaculate Conception Church’s interior and exterior has been newly restored and the church features an outstanding choir.

 

 

 

 

 

            IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, that the Council of the District of Columbia recognizes Immaculate Conception Church’s 150 years serving the citizens of the District of Columbia and honors Immaculate Conception Church as it continues to be a beacon of hope and a house of prayer for all worshipers.

 

            Sec. 2. This resolution may be cited as the “Immaculate Conception Church 150^th Anniversary Recognition Resolution of 2014”.

 

            Sec. 3. This resolution shall be effective immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.