Civil War

Divisions on Race

Many Blacks Leave. African-Americans, some of them held in bondage by white members, were seated in the balcony of the church. But many of the black members split off to form Mount Zion Church in 1813, while others continued to attend Dumbarton. When Civil War broke out, the Dumbarton congregation was deeply divided, contributing soldiers to both sides.

War’s Effect. After the First Manassas Civil War battle, the church was converted to a hospital as thousands of casualties streamed into the city. During the war, President Abraham Lincoln visited Dumbarton for the service rededicating the church, and his pew is now engraved with the words “The Pastor.” He was said to be "much affected by the sermon, being moved to tears." As for slaveowners, many of them were compensated by the District of Columbia for freeing their slaves.