“A cathedral of Methodism” they called it. That’s what the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church truly is. Stand here before its grandeur. Feel its presence. This isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to faith perseverance and history.
The Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church stands tall a beacon of Victorian Gothic architecture. It’s located in Washington D.C. a place where the past whispers secrets to the present. Construction finished on November 12 1872. This was then the edge of the city. The cost was a staggering $400000. That’s over $8200000 today.
This wasn’t just any piece of land. Before the church stood the mansion of Charles Howard. His wife Elizabeth Phoebe Key was the daughter of Francis Scott Key. Yes the author of “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Key died right here in his daughter’s home in 1843. A plaque still marks this spot. It serves as a poignant reminder of the church’s connection to American history. The church itself is listed on the National Historic Register.
The architects were Thomas Dixon and Charles L Carson. The church is remarkable for its three spires. The tallest one had to be shorter than the Washington Monument. The church and the monument are kitty-corner to each other. The building is made of unique stones. There’s rare green serpentine marble. There’s buff and red sandstone. The green marble looks exceptional when wet. Unfortunately the sandstone doesn’t wear well. Major repairs were done in 1932 and 1978.
Inside awaits a sanctuary seating 900. A magnificent M P Moller organ with 3827 pipes fills the space. The American walnut pews were hand-carved. One man spent seven years creating them. On hot summer days hand fans in the pews offer relief. The Bosley Chapel a smaller intimate space is dedicated to Sidney Bosley. He was a pastor’s son who tragically died in a train accident at age 12. The stained glass windows show David and Jesus.
The Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church. It’s more than a church. It’s a piece of living history. It’s a place of worship community and service. It’s a place where faith and history intertwine. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of stories within these walls. Each stone each spire each window holds a memory. Let them resonate with you.