Pastor: Rev. Gene Larkin

HISTORY

In 1887, a small group of first settlers of Dunn Loring felt the need for religious services in the community. Thomas Tudor Taylor, one of the first residents of Dunn Loring, encouraged Pastor

O. C. Bell of Andrew chapel Methodist Church to come to Dunn Loring on Sunday afternoons to conduct services. Pastor Bell preached in a grove near what is now Sandburg Street and the W&OD bike trail. Soon it became apparent that a church building was needed to shelter the Lord's flock. General William McKee Dunn and Dr. George B. Loring were co-owners and developers of the Dunn Loring subdivision in the late 1800's. General Dunn announced that he would donate some of his land if the people would erect a building thereon. Thomas T. Taylor was responsible for erecting the building, and for soliciting contributions of cash, labor, and materials. This building was known as the "Little White Church" at 2438 Gallows Road.

In the early years, the church was served by ministers from Dulin Chapel in Falls Church, and later by ministers from Andrew Chapel Methodist Church. Prior to 1941, the Rev. P. C. Helmintoller, Jr., conducted services in the Dunn Loring Church twice per month. The congregation numbered just 16 members, one-third of whom were absentee. Despite this small membership and the suggestion that the church disband, Rev. Helmintoller persisted, and began holding regular services each Sunday afternoon. In September 1941, the Sunday School was organized under the leadership of Robert G. Buckelew and Mr. G. F. Worley. The response was enthusiastic, and by the end of the year the congregation had grown to nearly 60. In June 1957, Dunn Loring became a station appointment with Donald S. Stanton as pastor. By early 1960, the size of the congregation made it clear that a new church building was necessary to house the growing congregation. In April 1961, the Trustees met at the home of Frank W. Rubright, 2501 Gallows Road, to discuss the purchase of his property, which was for sale. This property, across from the "Little White Church" was eventually purchased in July 1962. Prior to settlement, Reverend George G. Oliver became pastor at Dunn Loring UMC returning to the church in which he preached his first sermon in 1908. His considerable experience in designing and building churches proved to be a valuable asset to the Dunn Loring Church UMC building program. In June 1966, ground breaking services were held, and in November 1966, the church was dedicated with the laying of the cornerstone.

LOOKING AHEAD
Over the years there has been an ebb and flow in our membership. Almost all of the original members have moved or deceased. Many other families relocated because of new jobs, retirement , and circumstances of loss. With a declining membership Dunn Loring UMC began searching for new alternatives with much prayer and discussion.

Three years ago Dunn Loring UMC decided to take a whole new approach and establish a new congregation with the foresight of our District Superintendent, Dr. Young Jin Cho and the All Things New Program of the Virginia Annual Conference.

In July of 2008, The Virginia Conference appointed our present pastor, Pastor Gene, a retired pastor, as an interim pastor to assist in this new venture of following Jesus command to assure the proclaiming of good news, provide outreach to the surrounding community, and to focus on being a church in mission to God’s beloved, “the poor, the left out, and left alone.”

On September 30, 2009, Dunn Loring United Methodist Church will officially close its doors to make way for a new church under a new structure. The Rev. Todd Shenecty, “Pastor Todd”, will begin forming a new congregation in July 2009, to open this fall, 2009 .

As we undertake this new venture, the ongoing services of worship services will be maintained. A full celebration of Dunn Loring UMC’s history of accomplishments and memories of past will take place this summer.

For additional information on how you can be part of this exciting transition of All Things New!, contact Pastor Gene for additional information (703) 851-4513.