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Tour Of The O-House
THE "O" HOUSE
A MIRACLE ON SECOND STREET N.E.
The modest plaque bears its commemorative inscription with the same quiet dignity emblematic of the unassuming man whose name is engraved upon it. As you ascend the stairs and knock on the rustic door, your eyes cannot help but fall upon the enigmatic words: "The Honorable William J. Ostrowski House, 109 Second St. NE., Washington, D.C. Est. January 23, 2000."
Etched in gold against a hunter-green background, the brief tribute honors a reserved tenure of enduring achievements swathed in a rare mix of grit and humility. The honoree, retired New York State Supreme Court Justice, William J. Ostrowski, stepped out of retirement and up to the plate to represent countless pro-life defendants, often pro-bono, and frequently against dire odds.
Among his more prominent clients were ministers and pro-life activists the Revs. Paul and Rob Schenck, twin brothers who, upon assuming leadership roles in a then emerging abortion rescue movement, drew the fire of a bumper crop of very powerful jurists that took a dim view of civil disobedience.
For example, in what many felt was a retaliatory response from a judge who was widely known to embrace sharply pro-choice positions, and had been asked to recuse himself from numerous abortion related cases, an extremely excessive nine-month sentence was imposed upon Rob Schenck for trespassing.
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The charge stemmed from a prayer vigil led in front of an abortion clinic and landed the Rev. Rob Schenck in the Alden Correctional Facility. Ostrowski came through in the clinch, finessing an emergency appeal at midnight in the living room of a NY State Supreme Court Justice who heard the case in his pajamas.
Upon letting his former colleague go back to bed after hearing Schenck’s case, the morning light found Judge Ostrowski rattling Rob’s cell chirping, "Let’s get out of here. Your sentence has been vacated."
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Explained Schenck, "Judge Ostrowski was teaching a summer course, I believe, as a volunteer in Poland when he read about our pro-life work and our arrests and prosecution. When the Judge returned from Poland, he came to Paul and me and said, "You need proper legal council, and I’ll be happy to give you my services."
"And he did for years," continued Rob. "Judge Ostrowski represented us all through the Federal and State Courts. For example, the Judge was responsible for springing me when Judge Bestry of Amherst, NY threw me in prison for nine months for leading a prayer vigil in front of one of the abortion clinics."
Judge Ostrowski was a "can-do guy," a seasoned courtroom brawler with an extensive tenure on the bench who marshaled the savvy to play hardball in the big leagues. He did not win every case, but he gave each one his all, and opposing council always knew when it had come up against him.
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The Judge was low key, saw a sucker punch coming a mile away, and landed a legal roundhouse with poise, class, and high impact. Many pro-life activists were able to avoid jail primarily because of his determination, connections, and legal prowess. In addition, many a pro-choice attorney wound up with an unexpected education as they licked the legal wounds delivered by the former jurist.
"We owe Judge Ostrowski a lot," reflected Schenck. "The Judge came out of retirement to defend us and hundreds of other pro-life defendants during those days. We wanted an appropriate way to thank him, and because he had been a judge on the New York State Supreme Court, we thought what better way than to name a building across the street from the United States Supreme Court in his honor. Thus, in January of 2000, when we moved in, our first act was to have a naming ceremony."
Affectionately called the "O" House, the building is a stately structure which fosters a casual elegance that absorbs its occupants with old world charm and a sense of destiny. While it stands as a sword continually unsheathed and wielded by God, the manner in which it was sent to the Schencks is the stuff of legends.
Here is the story. Arriving in Washington, D.C. in 1994, Rob Schenck established what was to become his and Paul’s flagship organization, Faith and Action, one year later. As he learned the ropes inside the Beltway, it became apparent that the numerous unreliable organizations that come and go in D.C. demanded a permanent address to reflect credibility. Thus, as 1998 unfolded, the search was on to anchor in suitable headquarters and establish a firm presence within the community.
Bathed in prayer, the answer came like many of God’s responses to Paul and Rob, with signs and wonders. Faith and Action had sponsored a visiting church team. As Rob waited for the team to complete a prayer walk, he felt inspired to glance up and notice a For Sale sign in the second story window of a condominium on Capitol Hill. With time to kill, he decided to call the number and inquire about the property to get a sense of real estate costs on "The Hill."
The voice on the other end of the phone had a distinctly familiar ring to it and turned out to be retired minister and long-time friend, Dick Symons. As Rob explained his dilemma, Reverend Symons felt that his property was not the right fit for Faith and Action but did know of a building that was for sale privately at a greatly reduced price. Offered by the Supreme Court Historical Society, Symons felt the property would perfectly suit Schenck’s needs and gave him the necessary contact information.
As Rob followed-up, he realized that the property, directly across the street from the United States Supreme Court, was exactly what he needed to fulfill the call God had placed upon his heart. With its asking price inexplicably far below market value, he became convinced that God had brought the property to him. Believing in a dream driven by faith in his God, he made a commitment to purchase the building promising a few thousand dollars earnest money to hold the deal.
It was money the ministry did not have, but armed with a divine mandate, a letter to his supporters explaining the remarkable turn of events provided the funds necessary to secure him a spot as a bidder on the property. Once he signed the paperwork, however, Rob unexpectedly found himself embroiled in a bidding brawl with a rival who also knew a miracle when he saw one.
The struggle grew heated and escalated until Rob was able to wrestle the property from his adversary with a winning bid of twice the original offer but less than half the market value. It was still a steal at that price, but it was also completely out of reach. Rob risked his emerging reputation in faith that God would provide the resources to achieve his goal.
Feeling very much like Moses on the shores of the Red Sea, Rob shared what he felt was God’s will with the many donors who had stood by him throughout his ministry. Their extremely generous response confirmed that God was blazing a new and electrifying trail, and Rob was profoundly humbled by their confidence in him. Then the phone rang. The deal was off.
It was a page out of The Book of Acts, bursting with high drama. With the sellers brazenly flaunting their hostility toward Christ, they categorically announced that they would not allow Rob to purchase the house simply because the board of directors did not want a Christian mission occupying the building.
Paul and Rob were dumbfounded as they brought the matter before the Lord. Their attorney was adamant that they had a slam-dunk simple breach of contract suit and told them that if they let him handle it, they would end up with a financial windfall. However, the Spirit of God was steadfast, strongly urging them in prayer to avoid legal action even though they would win big.
The issues were crucial, the ministry could use the money from a financial windfall, and the sense of injustice stung deeply, so it would not be hard to justify a lawsuit. Nonetheless, their heart was to make friends not enemies and so in obedience to God they declined their lawyer’s advice.
As the aforementioned drama was unfolding, the brothers received a call from the owner of the building immediately next door to the embattled property. The man had heard how the sellers pulled the rug out from under the Schenck brothers and ironically approached them with a proposal that outshined the former deal.
His building was in better condition, included a two-story carriage house with parking in the rear, and had a gated garden in between. To add miracle upon miracle, the man’s selling price was the same as the other property. Paul and Rob instantly knew that God had honored their faithfulness and answered their prayers.
Paul and Rob had been looking for ways to express their gratitude to William Ostrowski for his tireless efforts on behalf of the unborn, themselves, and the hundreds of pro-life advocates he had defended. Upon moving into their new headquarters, which boasted a panoramic view of the United States Supreme Court, their first act was to hold a ceremony to express their esteem for their dear friend and selfless benefactor.
Formally christening the building, "The Honorable William J. Ostrowski House," the honoree’s immediate and extended family attended the function as the building was consecrated to the work of God.
Since that time, the dwelling has continually been used for Godly activities. From Bible studies and prayer groups to receptions and strategy sessions that have influenced the history of the nation, the "O" House has faithfully served the both the country and Body of Christ under the direction of Paul and Rob Schenck.
Countless elected and appointed officials have passed through its doors confronted with the claims of Christ and challenged by the Word of God. It has served such groups as the Life Education and Resource Network, Democrats for Life, and the Judicial Action Group as they strive to arrest our national conscience. In addition, Lorain, Ohio’s, Church on the North Coast, a strong supporter of Faith and Action, raised thousands of dollars to create a beautiful prayer garden behind the property.
The Honorable William J. Ostrowski House, has several elegantly decorated rooms that are named in honor of various supporters of Faith and Action. For instance, the Don and Gayle Wright parlor plays host to the many news conferences held by the ministry and was the scene of the only live prayer meeting ever broadcast by C-SPAN.
Dignitaries are entertained and meetings conducted in the Library, named in honor benefactors Wayne and Melissa Newsome while supporter relations are coordinated through the Bernard and Lee Reese conference room.
In addition, the mission house, located behind the prayer garden, honors the selfless service and support of Margery and Harry Thomas, founders of the renowned Creation Festivals.
Enhancing the quaint appeal that adorns the "O" House is a very striking portrait of Judge Ostrowkski prominently displayed in its library. Painted by eminent Washington portrait artist Lindy Bruggink, the painting captures the spirit of the judge and the imaginations of all who view it.
In addition to being an immensely gifted artist, Bruggink is the wife of the Honorable Eric Bruggink, a senior judge on the powerful U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C. Judge Bruggink was one of the youngest judges ever placed on the federal bench when Ronald Reagan appointed him in 1986.
Like Judge Ostrowski and his wife, Mary, Judge Bruggink and Lindy fervently believe in the work of Faith and Action. Both couples have graciously donated countless hours, have volunteered their services on numerous occassions, and are fierce supporters of the ministry.
The "O" House stands as an emblem of God’s faithfulness to those who will take Him at His word. It resulted from the fidelity of Paul and Rob, single-minded men who are completely sold out to God’s will.
The Honorable William J. Ostrowski House will remain a powerful testimony that reflects the character of the extraordinary man whose name it bears.
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