General Info

History A famous author once wrote: "We would arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." Lincoln Congregational Temple was founded in the Shaw Community 140 years ago. During that period, Lincoln set standards for other churches to follow. Through our ministry, God's light has shined brightly on dark corners of injustice, and illuminated new roads in music, Christian education, and community leadership. Our sanctuary has hosted some of the finest voices of our time including: Jessye Norman; Marian Anderson; Roberta Flack; Grover Bullock; Francese Brooks; and Renee Barnes. Our pulpit has been filled with preachers and scholars such as Shelby Rooks; Julian Bond; Channing Philips; James A. Forbes, Jr.; and Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. Members of Lincoln have been leaders in the community: Blanche K. Bruce was the first man of color elected to a full term in the U.S. Senate; Mary Church Terrell and others desegregated lunch counters downtown; Eliza Shippen co-founded Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority Inc.; Nellie Quander served as first national president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc; Doyle Mitchell, Sr. founded the first bank owned entirely by African Americans; Rev. Channing Philips was the first African American nominated for President at the Democratic National Convention. As we celebrate Homecoming this year, we are blessed with the presence of the Honorable Alexis M. Herman, the first person of color to serve as Secretary of Labor in the cabinet of the U.S. president. Helping us celebrate our 140th Anniversary is Dr. Dorothy I. Height, a co-founder of the National Council of Negro Women. But just when we think we have seen all Lincoln can do, new blessings continue to spring from our faithful and creative membership. As the Beloved Community, Lincoln Temple took a bold step by opening its doors to historically under-represented groups. We strive to be anti-racist, multicultural, multiracial, open & affirming, accessible, just peace, green, and receptive to the still speaking God. We embody the essence of the statement: "Whoever you are; wherever you are, you're welcome here. Jesus turned no one away; and neither do we." Ministries at Lincoln further our mission of blessing the community: Women's Fellowship; Men's Club; Deaf Ministry, and Healing Communities (prison re-entry). God is taking us to higher heights and deeper depths. And the best is yet to come!