In July of 1991, Elaine, Christen, and I made the trek from Nashville, TN, to Washington, DC, to commence a new life. Although the three of us came initially from Philadelphia, PA, we found that DC is not a northeastern city, and that it is right on the border where North and South meet. It was astounding to me to learn that Arlington National Cemetery had been the plantation of Robert E. Lee and that one could easily walk from Lee’s former home to the Whitehouse in a relatively short time. I also learned that what people referred to as Potomac fever was real.
Once I came to the DMV, no other city could suffice. Slowly but surely, my beloved Philadelphia began to take a back seat. DC may no longer be “Chocolate City,” but it remains one of the world’s most exciting and enlivening cities. Who could ever have imagined that I would be on stage with the National Symphony Orchestra to recite a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., or that I would be at the White House to witness the signing of the Arab Israeli Peace Accords, or lead Congress in an opening prayer? It has been a fantastic ride.
It has not always been easy these thirty-one years, but the Lord has blessed me to work with some of the most exemplary Christians I have known. I thank the committee that worked to bring about this day. I thank God for the love and kindness of many members and friends.
I thank God for my wife, who has stood by me through thick and thin, and my daughter, who is fond of saying that the family moved to DC, but she lived here. I am grateful for the hard work of so many who helped to build our gorgeous church building. I am especially thankful to the God of Heaven who allowed me to live long enough to baptize my grandsons.
Thank you, Shiloh, for thirty-one beautiful years as pastor of the most incredible church family!
From the Desk of the Pastor 