LOMAX A.M.E. ZION CHURCH was organized on June 12,1866, in Freedmen's Village located in Arlington Heights, which is now Arlington National Cemetery, During the Civil War, Negroes migrated to Washington from Maryland and Virginia in such great numbers that the U.S. Government made provisions for housing and security.  General Robert E. Lee forfeited the land to the Federal Government and, by order of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, set aside this land as home for "freed men." Many of our forefathers became self-sufficient by securing jobs as barbers, teamsters, servants, and farmers. For some time, the congregation worshipped in Freedmen's Village, until they began to scatter to other locations.  Many settled in this part of the country, which was known as Camp Distribution and later as Convalescent Camp. From the beginning, this church has been fortunate in securing men and women who were strong in faith, strong in character, and unselfish in motives.  It was only through the efforts of such pastors, trustees, class leaders, stewards, stewardess, other officers, and members that this church has made continuous progress through the years. The History of the Lomax A.M.E. Zion Church is highlighted by the devotion of Christian men and women who were never satisfied with the status quo.  Each succeeding generation has had a solid foundation upon which to stand and the inner fervor of undaunted spirits as a source of inspiration.

This spot upon which Lomax stands today is hallowed by the lives of martyrs.  It is made sacred by the contributions of those who searched for a city, whose builder and maker is "God".