The Official Website of The McClendon Center

Center's Founder Passes

Written by Dennis Hobb Tuesday, 02 February 2010 16:00

We are sad to announce the death of our founder, Reverend Jack E. McClendon. He died on January 26, 2010 after a brief hospitalization. To the end of his life Reverend Jack was a friend and advocate for the McClendon Center. He arrived in Washington in 1958 and became Associate Minister at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, a position he held until his retirement in 1991.  For 34 years he brought the force of the social gospel to address problems in the city. In addition to founding the McClendon Center, Reverend Jack established the Downtown Cluster of Congregations to marshal the religious resources of Washington to help the disadvantaged and underserved and to speak to the political structure with one voice. After his retirement in 1991 Reverend Jack served as a hospital chaplain and continued to be engaged in the church's mission in the city. He was particularly gratified by the continued success of the McClendon Center, especially the expanded Day Services Program and the Core Services Agency.  He was proud that the small mission program he founded now reaches more than 600 consumers.

Dr. McClendon’s memorial service will be held on Sunday February 14, 2010, at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church immediately following the 11am service.