ENROLLED ORIGINAL
1
A CEREMONAL RESOLUTION
25-202
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
April 2, 2024
To recognize St. Francis de Sales Church and the church’s 120th year anniversary.
WHEREAS, St. Francis de Sales Church, located at 2101 Rhode Island Avenue N.E. in
the Langdon community in Ward 5, is pastored by Father Brian Sanderfoot;
WHEREAS, the first parish church was built in 1908 on the foundation of the Queen’s
Chapel with history dating back to 1722 for Catholic worship;
WHEREAS, the current church has been on Rhode Island Avenue, N.E. since 1927 when
the congregation moved to allow for growth and be closer to the streetcar line;
WHEREAS, for several gen erations the Sunday morning service has been serviced by
dedicated Gospel musicians including long- times friends of the parish and voices drawn from its
predominantly African- American congregation;
WHEREAS, from 1946- 2008 the church educated thousands of students from both the
parish and the larger community at the St. Franics de Sales K-8 Catholic grade school;
WHEREAS, through the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, St. Francis de Sales Church
serves more than 100 meals to homebound and other underserved community members, even
during recent times of shutdown;
WHEREAS, since the mid -1970s St. Francis de Sales Church has hosted weekly meeting
for Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon;
WHEREAS, the St. Francis de Sales Church’s food pantry operates monthly and
distributes both fresh and frozen food as well as canned and boxed goods to both existing and
new clients;
WHEREAS, the annual Christmas celebration committee distributes toys and gift cards to
dozens of families with children and senior households; and
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
2
WHEREAS, the St. Francis de Sales Church “Green Team” works closely with the
District of Columbia’s Department of Energy and Environment to capture thousands of gallons
of rainwater and relieve water runoff into the Anacostia Watershed through its comprehensive
system of rainwater and permeable pavement on its campus.
IT IS HEARBY RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF
COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “St. Francis de Sales Church 120
th
Anniversary Recognition Resolution of 2024”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes and celebrates the St. Francis
de Sales Church on the occasion of its 120
th
anniversary for its outstanding commitment,
dedication, and service to its members and the community .
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.