Labor Art At Foundry UMC

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

One of Washington’s most beautiful examples of labor art is hidden in plain sight. A stained glass window (r) in the vestry of the Foundry United Methodist Church portrays John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, proclaiming his burning message to those who toiled in the coal pits. The window was presented to Foundry in 1955 by the United Mine Workers in memory of the UMW’s John T. Jones, who rose from the mines of his native Wales to become a trusted leader in the ranks of organized labor in his adopted country, as well as an official of Foundry UMC. The Coal Miner's Stained Glass Window has been added to the online DC Labor Map, where you can find both current and historic labor sites in Washington, including union hotels, restaurants, international and local union organizations, labor art and historic labor sites. You can use it for an online virtual tour of DC labor, or to plan your visit to our nation’s capital. The window, which now sits in Foundry’s Sanctuary behind the pulpit, depicts John Wesley preaching to the coal miners. This year, Foundry created the John T. Jones Award to recognize outstanding advocacy for immigrants and workers in DC and the nation. The first awards were presented this year to Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA), champion of the United American Families Act, and Mackenzie Baris, Lead Organizer of DC Jobs with Justice. Visitors are welcome to view the Coal Miner's Stained Glass Window during Foundry’s normal office hours when services are not being held; click here for hours.