Article Text
The Rev. DeLishia Davis closed an eight-year chapter at Calloway United Methodist Church on June 30, leaving behind a stronger network of ministries and community relationships across Arlington.
Her departure brought both celebration and sadness to the historic church, whose sign promises “Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors.” Davis has been reassigned to a Methodist church in Fairfax as part of the denomination’s traditional rotation of pastors.
Calloway was established in 1866 in Arlington’s historically Black Halls Hill neighborhood, beginning as a prayer service a few miles from its present location. Its current building opened at 5000 Langston Blvd. in 1904 and now serves a multicultural congregation.
Davis arrived to find a small, aging congregation that she described as loving and kind. While eating at the neighboring Heidelberg Bakery, she often encountered people who did not realize the church was still operating.
Under her leadership, Calloway expanded its ministries, welcomed more people and forged new ties throughout the community. Davis also served Arlington in several roles beyond the church, including as president of the local NAACP.
Among the programs she established was a food pantry offering canned goods and packaged groceries inside the church on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Food is available in an outdoor container on other days, and visitors also receive gift cards to purchase perishables.
One of Davis’ greatest challenges was encouraging people to return to in-person worship after COVID. The congregation experienced 30 deaths during that period, and some members continue to watch a recorded Sunday service from home.
“I try to get them to come back to worship in person,” she said.
Community leaders, clergy, relatives, friends and Calloway members filled the church for a farewell ceremony honoring Davis’ service and commitment.
The Rev. James Victor, pastor of Mount Olivet Methodist Church on Glebe Road, preached from Numbers 6:24-26. He reflected on how Davis had been blessed and had, in turn, blessed Arlington.
“This blessing will carry on for Rev. Davis and the Arlington community,” Victor said.
Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis and Vice Chair Matt de Ferranti delivered remarks. Commonwealth’s Attorney Parisa Dehghani offered an emotional remembrance, while other leaders and friends spoke about Davis’ contributions.
Davis has spent 28 years as a pastor, serving in Mississippi, Pennsylvania and New Jersey as well as Arlington. Her calling follows five generations of pastors in her family, beginning with her great-great-grandfather in Wilmington, North Carolina.
With military parents, Davis said she learned to adapt to change. At her next church, she plans to begin by observing, getting to know the congregation and assessing the surrounding community’s needs.
“Success is just having the relationships,” she said.
Though ready for a new challenge, Davis said Calloway will remain close to her.
“I want Calloway to know they will always have a place in my heart,” she said. “I have loved being a pastor in Arlington. They have become like family, and I will always be around for them.”