Since 1816, St. John’s Church has stood here. It is a witness to history unfolding. This is the story of the Church of the Presidents.
St. John’s Church is located on Lafayette Square. It is across from the White House. Its location has tied it to the White House and its neighborhood. Every president since James Madison has attended at least one service here. Many presidents have held pre-inaugural services here.
After the British burned the White House in 1812, community members wanted an Episcopal church nearby. Benjamin Latrobe designed St. John’s Church. He also designed parts of the U.S. Capitol. The church was built in 1816. It has a simple Greek cross shape.
By 1822, a portico and bell tower were added. The bell was made by Paul Revere’s son. It cost 400 dollars. President James Monroe authorized 100 dollars in public funds. This bell served the church and the community. It was a fire alarm for residents, businesses, and the White House.
St. John’s bell is one of two Revere bells in Washington. It is the only one in continuous use since 1822. Legend says that six ghostly men appear in the president’s pew. They appear at midnight whenever the bell tolls for a notable person’s death.
St. John’s Church is a National Historic Landmark. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. The church is a contributing property to two historic districts. These are the Lafayette Square and Sixteenth Street Historic Districts. St. John’s and the White House are the oldest buildings here. They remain in their original use.
James Madison started the tradition of a president’s pew. He chose pew 28 in 1816. During an 1843 renovation, the pews were renumbered. The president’s pew became pew 58. Later renovations in 1883 changed the number again. It became pew 54. This pew remains reserved for the president.
In June 2020, St. John’s was near protests against police brutality. Federal forces used violence and tear gas. The church is next to Black Lives Matter Plaza.
The bell tower needed restoration work. The congregation raised over 1.4 million dollars. The bell tower is a visible beacon. It expresses commitment to history and current work. It is part of the nation’s capital story.
Today, St. John’s Church continues its mission. It is a place of grace. It serves the community. The church supports education and helps those experiencing housing insecurity. It advocates for affordable housing and refugee resettlement. St. John’s leads tours and hosts forums with recognized speakers.