Creative destruction: Identity and the effect of urban renewal on Georgetown Methodists in Washington, D.C., 1945--1954

This dissertation is a cultural history that examines the Methodist community in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. I argue that the Methodist community was a cultural entity with distinct values and ideals that were often contrary to external perceptions held by local and federal governmental authorities. This study exposes the nature of the Methodist identity within the confines of the urban setting of Georgetown and the larger community of the Methodist denomination over the course of one hundred years. This period of formation provides a window through which one can witness the growth and contribution Georgetown Methodist church members made in and throughout their local church and community.; It also examines the identity imposed upon the neighborhood of Georgetown after the Territorial Act of 1871 and the Organic Act of 1878. These two acts provide the foundation upon which John Ihlder and the Georgetown Citizens Association would construct a new Georgetown. The construction of this new Georgetown did not seek to include the existing elements of the community such as Dumbarton and Mount Zion churches, thereby forcing these two congregations to adapt through creative destruction The period of 1945 to 1954 is when the external and internal identity of the Georgetown Methodist community experienced creative destruction which advanced the ministry beyond local parish concerns. Throughout America, the post war years placed many urban areas in flux. Available housing and employment were twin concerns that almost every citizen confronted. These changes affected the size of many congregations.; Ultimately, this dissertation examines how these two conflicting identities---Methodist self perception and external perception---brought about a creative destruction to the Methodist community and its Georgetown neighborhood identity. Central to my thesis is the contention that the Methodist community of Georgetown escaped total demolition for two reasons. First, the providence of God provided a supernatural hedge of protection around the church properties. Second, the Methodist church's doctrine of the social gospel and ministry goals charged each congregation with issues larger than local church concerns. These two elements are foundational Christian principles and important factors in Methodist church history. Also, these two elements are visible throughout the histories of Mount Zion and Dumbarton churches. Subsequently, church group-consciousness and historical awareness of these two congregations ultimately impelled them to retain a heritage, identity and Christian legacy for future generations.