Established in 1816 St John’s Church stands as a testament to faith and resilience. It’s a beautiful cream-colored neoclassical building. It’s located in Lafayette Square just a short stroll from the White House. This proximity has made it a significant landmark. It’s known as the “Church of the Presidents”. Every president since James Madison has worshipped here.
The church’s story is rich with historical significance. Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed it. He was also the architect of the US Capitol. Latrobe volunteered his services. He designed the church after the War of 1812. The British had damaged the White House and other parts of the city. The church’s construction was completed in 1816. The first service was held on October 27th of that year.
St John’s has witnessed numerous pivotal moments in American history. It hosted the first two state funerals in US history. These were for William Henry Harrison in 1841 and Zachary Taylor in 1850. The Webster-Ashburton Treaty was largely negotiated in its parish house. This treaty resolved border disputes with Canada. Dolley Madison was baptized here. Secretary of State William Seward was attacked near the church on the night of Lincoln’s assassination.
The church’s interior is breathtaking. It features over 20 stained-glass windows. A depiction of da Vinci’s Last Supper adorns the altar. These windows date back to the 1880s. They’re the work of Madame Lorin a curator at Chartres Cathedral in France. The steeple bell was cast in Paul Revere’s Boston foundry. Legend says that when the bell tolls for a president six men in white robes appear briefly in the President’s Pew. Then they vanish.
During the George Floyd protests in 2020 a fire broke out in the church’s basement. It was a small fire. It damaged only the nursery. The fire was quickly extinguished. The church’s rector Reverend Rob Fisher described the event. He also reported that the church was defaced with graffiti. The next day police cleared protesters from the area. This happened before a visit from President Trump. Bishop Mariann Budde criticized the use of tear gas.
St John’s Church continues to serve as a place of worship. It’s also a symbol of American history. It is a beautiful and significant landmark in Washington DC. Its history is intertwined with that of the nation itself. It’s a must-see for any visitor to the capital.