Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Church is known as “The Mother Roman Catholic Church of Southeast Washington.” It is located in Historic Anacostia at 1401 V Street, SE, and was established in 1878 with funds donated by local black and white Catholics.

In 1910, with more African Americans joining this church, racial tensions began to increase. Black Catholics were disappointed with their limited role in church affairs. A few years later, they left St. Teresa and established Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, also located in Anacostia.

In the 1950s, as white people began to move from Anacostia, more blacks integrated the church. Saint Teresa’s congregation eventually became predominately black. The first gospel concerts began in 1973. With the arrival of Father George A. Stallings in 1976, the church’s services included more African American traditions. The current pastor of the church is Father Patrick A. Smith. Today, St. Teresa offers several ministries including weekly soup kitchen and a lively Sunday worship service. While most of the members of St. Teresa live in Washington, D. C., many reside in Maryland and Virginia.

Information provided by St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church

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