One of Arlington’s oldest churches is celebrating a full reopening three and a half years after a devastating fire forced the closure of nearly half of its usable space.
Mount Olivet United Methodist Church will mark the completion of restoration work with a May 2 event titled “In Full Bloom: A Community Celebration of Renewal.” The community is invited from 2-5 p.m.
“This reopening marks the end of a long road and the beginning of a renewed chapter for our community,” said Pastor Sara Keeling. “It restores not just rooms, but the life of our church. We’re excited to welcome the community back and continue our more than 170-year tradition of serving Arlington.”
The October 2022 fire broke out in the attic above the church’s music and education wing. The resulting roof and water damage affected the main entrance, gathering areas, music room, classrooms, office and library — causing about $1 million in damage, according to estimates at the time.
Pop-up events at the upcoming celebration will include performances on the 2,660-pipe Holtkamp organ and live music from a praise band. At 3 p.m., a brief program will be held in the sanctuary with a ribbon-cutting, thank-you remarks and a balloon drop.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees can tour restored spaces, learn more about Mount Olivet ministries, get their picture taken in a photo booth and take time to pause and reflect in the meditation room.
A light luncheon and activities for children will be included.
Mount Olivet’s roots date to 1854, when what was then known as Alexandria County — present-day Arlington and Alexandria — was home to just 13,000 people.
Located at 1500 N. Glebe Road, the church survived the Civil War and challenging post-war years, then watched as the surrounding landscape shifted from a rural area to modern conditions. Today, it occupies what is believed to be Arlington’s oldest church site in continuous use.
Last year, with restoration work ongoing, the church celebrated its history — and that of its adjacent cemetery — with a special community program.
Photo (1) via Mount Olivet/Facebook
