Join host Aaron Renn as he sits down with Caleb Morell, author of A Light on the Hill, to explore the rich history of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1878, this evangelical church, located just blocks from the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court, has remained steadfast in its theological convictions while navigating cultural, political, and social changes over 150 years. From its founding by Civil War veterans to its role in the fundamentalist-modernist controversy, urban challenges, and the revitalization under pastor Mark Dever, this episode uncovers what makes this church a unique case study in American Christianity. Learn how Capitol Hill Baptist has maintained its gospel-centered mission amidst D.C.’s evolving landscape, including its response to suburbanization, gentrification, and even a lawsuit against the city during COVID-19.
CHAPTERS:
(00:01 - Introduction)
(00:24 - What Makes Capitol Hill Baptist Unique?)
(03:33 - Founding and Early History (1878))
(05:42 - Capsule Summary of the Church’s History)
(09:24 - The Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy)
(14:56 - Suburbanization and Desegregation in the Mid-20th Century)
(20:54 - Urban Planning and Parking Lot Disputes)
(22:12 - Racial Integration and Social Engagement)
(27:31 - The Marion Barry Era and Urban Violence)
(32:13 - Mark Dever’s Arrival and Church Revitalization)
(35:50 - Gentrification and Its Impact)
(38:38 - COVID-19 Lawsuit and Church Response)
(41:38 - Commitment to Single-Service Gatherings)
(45:09 - Political Engagement Over Time)
(49:17 - The Importance of Institutions)
(52:11 - Closing Remarks)
CALEB MORELL'S LINKS:
📖 A Light on the Hill: https://www.amazon.com/Light-Hill-Surprising-Influenced-Evangelicalism/dp/1433592894/?&_encoding=UTF8&tag=theurban-20
🌐 Capitol Hill Baptist Church: https://www.capitolhillbaptist.org/
CONNECT & FOLLOW AARON RENN:
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/aaron_renn
🌐 Newsletter - In-depth cultural analysis: https://www.aaronrenn.com/
