Text and Photos courtesy of Dorothy H. Gray and Linda Gray

In the spring of 1923, three hundred fifty seven Black Roman Catholics who were members of the segregated Holy Trinity Church expressed a desire to build their own church in Georgetown.

In the fall of 1924, the Reverend Lawrence H. Schafer, S.S.J., was assigned to Georgetown. His presence marked the beginning of the "Epiphany Mission." The members made it possible to rent the property at 1409 28th Street. Hard work and commitment enabled the members to purchase two vacant lots on Dumbarton Avenue (Street), which is the present church site.

In 1925, the cornerstone was laid and the following year the Most Reverend Michael Curley, Archbishop of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. blessed the Epiphany Roman Catholic church.

Epiphany is very proud of having the first Black Pastor of a Roman Catholic church in Washington, D.C.

Father Chester C. Ball, S.S.J. served as pastor of the church from 1952-1958. Under his leadership, the parish flourished. The Annual Bazaar began under Father Ball's tenure, which was a major fundraiser for the church. Under his leadership, the needed repairs to the church, parish hall, and kitchen of the rectory were completed. Many church ministries grew in number and participation.