Getting to Know Us

by Barbara E. Solt

This month we meet James, Sr. (6/26/34) and Doris Lewis (a lady never tells her age). They rarely are seen together at Augustana on Sunday mornings. He sings bass in the choir and she serves as deacon, or sits near the back of the lectern side of the nave. Jim has served on every standing committee and is a member of Council. Doris has served as Sunday School teacher, church camp assistant, nominating committee member, lector and long-time deacon. They are two of the African American "pioneer" members of Augustana.

How did you come to be members of Augustana?

Jim: I came to Washington, DC in 1962 looking for a better job. It didn't take me long to find out this city was different from South Carolina. I had a one room apartment at the Dunbar Hotel, now converted to a senior home at 15th and U Streets, NW. While living in the U Street area I visited several churches within walking distance. I will always remember my first visit to Augustana. The usher seated me up front. That was good and bad. Pastor Wood gave his sermon and it appeared as though he was talking directly to me. I felt good about Augustana and came back the following Sunday and signed the friendship sheet. The next Sunday Pastor Wood called me and set up a visit with me after church at my apartment. He brought Josephine Allen with him. The time we spent together that afternoon was the beginning of a life-long friendship with Pastor Wood and his family, Josephine and her family, and my Augustana family. After my second visit with Pastor, I agreed to attend the Pastor's Class and when I joined Augustana my sponsor was Josephine, who has never stopped caring for me and my family. Why did I join Augustana? We all can agree there is a feeling at Augustana that we can’t do without, and to me that is God at work bringing us together as Christians. I believe that bringing my family up in the Augustana family has made a difference in our lives as well as others at Augustana. That is why I am still at Augustana.

Doris: Jim and I met at real estate school at Prince George’s Community College in 1975, and the rest is continuous happiness forever. I joined Augustana in 1978. Alice Anderson was my sponsor, and she has continued to be part of my church family and a dear friend. Our son, James, Jr., was born in 1979 and baptized at Augustana that same year. James, Jr. served as acolyte for many years before going to the University of Maryland where he graduated with a degree in communications in 2002. After doing some work in radio, he, too, is studying real estate. He’s such a fun kid. (She says with a big smile.)

Do you think James, Jr. is following in his parent’s footsteps? Is that the work you do, real estate?

Doris: Oh no, not anymore. I work as an Administrative Assistant at NASA headquarters where all the agreements with other countries are developed for joint space projects for the past several years. I grew up in Chicago and after graduating from Maywood High School I attended Wright Junior College, and then graduated from Northwestern Business College in Chicago. I then worked for Chicago Title, Co. then came to DC working for Chicago Title. That's how I met Jim in real estate school.
Jim, you’ve just retired from the government, right?

Jim: Yes, I grew up in South Carolina, attended Voorhees College and graduated with my BS degree in Business Administration from Allen College in Columbia, SC. I did graduate work at Indiana University in Bloomington. I’m an accountant and certified business administrator. Since coming to Washington I have worked for several different agencies. I began as a GS3 and retired as a GS15 from the General Services Administration.

WOW, that's quite a career progression!

Jim: Yes it was. In my last work I was detailed to the Department of Justice where I was involved handling all the arrangements for any court case involving American Indians and the Department of the Interior. I handled any claims cases that went to litigation.

So, you're looking forward to the new world of being a retiree?

Jim: Oh no. We also have a business for over 20 years, J & D Vending, where we deploy, stock and manage vending machines all over the city. I'm President and CEO and through that I also train other people to go into the business. I'm not only a long-time civil servant, but an entrepreuner as well. I also have a business involving pre-paid legal services, and I manage my family’s properties back home.

You two are pretty busy between work and your Augustana involvements. What do you do for fun?

Jim: If it's written I read it. I love gardening, sports, and board games, and chasing my wife around the house – don't put that in the article. (Sorry, Jim, that was too good to leave out.)

Doris: I enjoy going shopping with my girlfriends and having dinner out with my guy.

It really has been great talking with you two. When I first met you and having served on committees with you, I thought you were pretty quiet, folks: do-ers, but not talkers. But over the years I have come to think of you as "still water runs deep" kind of people. Thanks for sharing your history with us.

After the interview, as I left the church, I saw Jim and Doris walking up V Street towards 16th Street, hand in hand.

Next Article - The Augustanan Home

The Augustanan
Newsletter
March 2004

This Issue:

Pastor's Message
Ask the Pastor
Accessibility Update
Giving Thanks
History of Committment
Getting to Know Us
Getting Smarter
Let's Celebrate
Lenten Reflection
Facts on the ELCA
Social Ministry
Committee Schedule
Calendar

Return to:

The Augustanan Home

Augustana Lutheran Church

Augustana Lutheran Church
2100 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20009-6507

Church Office Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm