St Augustine Catholic Church

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  • Address
    15th & V Sts NW, Meridian Hill
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  • Phone
    265 11470
  • Website
  • Transport
    underground rail: U Street-Cardozo

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Lonely Planet review

Let the spirit move you at DC's oldest and sweetest-sounding black Catholic congregation. St Augustine's gospel choir rocks the house every Sunday at . The Mass features the 165-member choir, often clad in Kenti cloth, and talented, spirited soloists singing their hearts out. The Mass is long, but it offers a unique glimpse of the role of religion in contemporary African American society, lively music and a little spiritual nourishment.

Founded in 1858, St Augustine's congregation moved to the Gothic-revival building at 15th and V Sts NW in 1961. It was a bold move, as it also marked a merger with an all-white congregation; the joined churches became known as Sts Paul & Augustine. The name reverted to St Augustine in 1982, but the congregation continues to welcome members of all races and ethnic groups, especially foot-tapping, hand-clapping sopranos and basses who feel the spirit.