Church of the Little Flower

Gazing upon the Church of the Little Flower, one might sense a quiet humility. Yet, its story echoes with remarkable tenacity. The Church of the Little Flower wasn’t always this grand structure. Its roots trace back to a modest chapel in Glen Echo, St. Agnes Church, built in 1906. This small chapel, after a brief period of service, was leased to the town. Years later, in 1929, it was resurrected as the Chapel of the Little Flower. It served as a mission, first for St. Francis Xavier Church in Washington, and later for Our Lady of Victory Church. The present Church of the Little Flower parish was established in 1948 with Reverend Edward J. O’Brien as its first pastor. The original chapel continued its service for a short time before being dismantled in 1960. The “old church,” completed in 1952, now serves as the parish hall and school cafeteria. The school and convent followed in 1953. The “new church,” the one we stand before today, was completed in 1967 under the guidance of Reverend Monsignor Henry F. Graebenstein. It was dedicated by Archbishop Patrick A. O’Boyle. The Church of the Little Flower is more than just bricks and mortar. It is intertwined with the story of its patron saint, St. Thérèse of Lisieux. This remarkable woman, despite living only 24 years, left an indelible mark on the world. Her writings, “Histoire d’une Ame” (“Story of a Soul”), capture the essence of her “little way,” finding profound love in simple acts of faith. The church also houses a unique treasure, a large crucifix from the original Glen Echo chapel. This hand-carved crucifix, possibly created by a parishioner, was returned to the church in 2007. It now hangs in the renovated parish hall, a tangible link to the Church of the Little Flower’s humble beginnings. The Church of the Little Flower stands as a testament to enduring faith, from a small chapel to a thriving parish, a journey inspired by the “little way” of St. Thérèse.