I’m a big believer in understanding the spiritual history of cites, neighborhoods, etc.  No where is that more important or more fascinating that Washington, DC.  A few examples.  I’ve studied the history of Union Station, since National Community Church was part of that history for thirteen amazing years, and uncovered a spontaneous prayer meeting that broke out on D-Day.  I’ve studied L’Enfant’s original plans for the city, including a national church halfway between the Capitol and Whitehouse where the National Archives now sits. It’s fascinating to discover places where churches once met–including an old shed on the grounds of the Whitehouse where immigrant workers worshiped God in the early 1800′s.

I made a new discovery yesterday looking for old photographs of Washington, DC for our movie theater renovation on Barracks Row. We’re trying to frame a few pictures that will capture the time period in which the theater operated from 1910-1960.  One of those pictures was a revival tent where the professional baseball player turned evangelist, Billy Sunday, held revival services for three months in 1918.  It’s just 2 blocks from Ebenezer’s Coffeehouse.  I have no idea how he got permission to build the tent, but it was perched right between the Capitol and Union Station.

Here’s an old picture. I can’t help but wonder how many people came to faith in Christ in that tent that is now a parking lot for Senate employees.