Dumbarton United Methodist Church, currently led by Rev. Mary Kay Totty, was originally founded in 1772. It moved to its current site in 1850. The Romanesque design features purple front doors topped by round stained-glass windows, and two small gardens frame the stairs at the church entrance.
Dumbarton was the first Methodist church in Washington, DC, to commit to conducting ceremonies for same-sex couples after a law was passed allowing such marriages in March 2010.
Dumbarton Concerts stages a series of chamber music concerts at the historic Dumbarton Church throughout the year. Most of the concerts are put on by visiting musicians or ensembles, but Dumbarton Concerts also hosts a composer in residence. Of particular note is the annual "A Celtic Christmas" concert, which is traditionally performed in early December.
Named for Georgetown University's first student, Congressman William Gaston, Gaston Hall is a 700-seat hall. It serves as a venue for convocations, lectures, musical and dramatic performances and honorary degree ceremonies.