It’s Friday, it’s been a really long week, and I’m way tired. So apropos of nothing, today I want to talk about a church. This church has kickin’ style like so many here in the District, and never fails to pick up my mood when I stroll past. Called St. James Restoration Apostle Church of Christ in God, the building sits at 15th and Swann Streets NW, just a short trip up from D,S headquarters. While the building itself would generously be called modest, like most things in life it’s what’s inside that counts*.
And by this measure, St. James brings it in full. I’ve probably walked past the place a hundred times, and I’m not exaggerating when I say that there have been maybe three times in total when there hasn’t been loud, raucous music coming from inside. Their band must either be the best rehearsed group on the Eastern seaboard, or the church hosts some type of free rehearsal space. This isn’t any kind of weak sauce contemporary rock that you may have heard at other churches either. This is some full-blown, hand-clapping, soul-powered, break-it-down gospel music. I’m sure that if I were to put on my best only suit and gather up the courage to pay it a visit some Sunday, I’d be greeted by the James Brown church scene from The Blues Brothers. And it would be spectacular.
So if you’re in need of a pick-me-up this weekend (and who wouldn’t be with all the festivities to get to), take a walk down 15th Street. And then notice the strut in your step pick up a little as you make your way past Swann. Happy weekend everyone!
*Like I said, Friday, tired, brain fried. You’ll have to allow me some cheesiness.
