The Arlington Church of the Brethren began in the hearts of many people who wished to see the church have a ministry and center of worship in the Arlington area. This concern came to focus in December 1951 at a meeting in the home of Ralph and Olivia Compton where a planning committee was formed. The first service of worship for the new congregation was conducted April 12, 1953, in the Stonewall Jackson Elementary School. In the beginning, various guest ministers filled the pulpit. The first full time pastor, the Rev. Glen Weimer began his ministry July 1953, to a congregation of approximately 100 members.
Ground breaking for the new church building was on January 20, 1957. The congregation conducted its first service in the present building on December 22, 1957. The dedication was on April 12, 1958, the anniversary of the first congregational service.
From the beginning the church has had concerns beyond itself. Its members have taken leadership in the Mid-Atlantic District of the church, cooperated with other local Church of the Brethren congregations, supported the camping program and participated in other local ecumenical witnesses. It has always felt the challenge of the community where it is located.
Pastors of the Arlington Congregation
Glen Weimer, 1953-1962
Donald Flory (interim), 1969-1963
Harry M. Gardner, 1963-1969
Vernon Miller, 1969-1978
Sam Cherian, 1978-1984
Warren Kissinger (part-time, interim), 1984-1985
Ann + Ken Gibble, 1985-95
Warren Kissinger (part-time, interim), 1995-October 1996
Roseann Harwood, November 1996-December 2004
Jeff Payne (interim), 2004-2005
Jeff Payne, August 2005-June 2008
Nancy B. Fitzgerald, December 2008-December 2017
Christy Dowdy (part-time, interim), January 2018-April 2019
Matt Rittle, beginning May 2019