“Downtown oasis” some might call it. I’m talking about the Church of the Epiphany. This diverse Episcopal community stands tall in the heart of D.C. Epiphany works toward Christ-centered transformation. It seeks justice and loves its neighbors.
Founded in 1842, the Church of the Epiphany has a rich history. The first service was held on January 23, 1842. Parish status was achieved in May 1844. The church building was consecrated on June 3, 1852.
Look up. Notice the unpretentious Gothic Revival style. John W. Harkness designed it. Construction continued after the consecration. Buttresses a gabled roof a vestibule and a baptistery were added.
Imagine this church during the Civil War. It served as an interim hospital in 1862 for Union troops. President Lincoln attended General Frederick Lander’s funeral here on March 6, 1862.
Many notable figures have walked through its doors. President Buchanan Secretary of War Edwin Stanton and Supreme Court Chief Justice Morison Waite were congregants. Its downtown location made it popular with government and military officials.
The original tower contained just one bell. During the Civil War that bell was melted down for its metal. In 1922 a new tower was built. It honored Dr. Randolph Harrison McKim the seventh rector.
These bells were the first true set of church bells in Washington. Meneely & Company of Watervliet New York made them. The largest bell reads Glory to God in the Highest and on Earth Peace Good Will Toward Men.
Since Coolidge Epiphany’s bells have rung for every presidential inauguration. Recordings of the bells were broadcast on national radio after Truman’s and Eisenhower’s inaugurations. Today the bells chime the quarter hours. They also play hymn-based peals on Sundays and weekdays at noon.
The Church of the Epiphany manifests God’s love. It does so primarily through service to the poor and through the gift of music. Live performances are held each Tuesday at 12:10. The Epiphany Mission Center even offers overnight stays for mission groups.
Epiphany’s commitment to service is long-standing. In 1858 the Epiphany Church Home opened to help the sick and poor. The Lenthall Home for Widows opened in April 1884. The Episcopal Eye Ear & Throat Hospital now Washington Hospital Center began in 1897 largely funded by Epiphany.
The Church of the Epiphany stands as a testament to faith. It is a beacon of hope and a center for community. Its history is interwoven with the history of Washington D.C. Continue to seek justice and love your neighbor here at Epiphany.