18 feb 1968 & all souls church renovation

#OTD Sunday 18 February 1968 All Souls Church, Unitarian (16th & Harvard Sts, NW) members voted for an expansive renovation of the church. They authorized the board of trustees to borrow $800,000 of the $1.3 million needed for the project. 

The architectural plans primarily include building underground and restoring the terrace at the northwest corner of the church.

According to Rev. Dr. Duncan Howlett, white, "The congregation's action shows our determination to stay where we are (rather than move from the center of the city) and to maintain the integrity of the architecture (rather than build an aboveground addition that would change the appearance)." 

Researched & written by Lina Mann. 

Please comment below. Were you a member of All Souls? Were you on the board? What was it like being in the church during the renovation? What do you remember most about Rev. Howlett? You may comment privately here.

Photo source: DC Public Library Special Collections, n.d., photographer unknown.
"Church to go Underground," Washington Post 24 February 1968.