Blessed Sacrament Church

Gazing upon Blessed Sacrament Church, a quiet strength emanates from its walls. It’s a strength born from a history intertwined with the growth of Alexandria. Blessed Sacrament Church wasn’t always here, on West Braddock Road. Its story begins amidst a housing crisis during World War II. Picture the scene: Washington D.C. overflowing with federal workers and military personnel, the newly built Pentagon humming with activity. Housing was scarce, a problem so widespread it became the fodder for jokes and news stories. To address this, the government subsidized the construction of housing developments like North and South Fairlington and Park Fairfax, just south of the Pentagon. These developments brought an influx of families, including many Catholic families, to the area. Recognizing the need for a spiritual home for these new residents, Bishop Peter L. Ireton tasked Father Edward L. Stephens with establishing a new parish. In 1943 and 1944, Father Stephens acquired land on West Braddock Road, piece by piece, ultimately securing the site where Blessed Sacrament Church now stands. The first masses for the Blessed Sacrament Mission were held in the Fairlington Elementary School, starting just after Easter in 1944. Imagine the makeshift altar, the folding chairs, the sense of community forming within those school walls. Within a year, the mission had grown so much that four masses were celebrated each Sunday. Construction on a proper church building began after the war ended in 1945. The initial structure was intended to be temporary, later to be converted into a parish hall when a larger church could be built. However, this “temporary” church served the growing congregation for decades. Bishop Ireton dedicated this first Blessed Sacrament Church in September 1946. The parish, already a vibrant community, now had a dedicated place of worship. Over time, Blessed Sacrament Church continued to flourish, becoming a cornerstone of the community. The original church, facing West Braddock Road, eventually couldn’t contain the burgeoning congregation. Eight masses were held each Sunday, utilizing both the main church and the basement. By the 1980s, it became clear that a new church was needed. After fundraising and planning, the current Blessed Sacrament Church was built, its design inspired by medieval cloisters and Mediterranean villages. This new church, with its distinctive architecture and serene baptismal font, continues to serve the community, its history echoing through the years, a testament to the enduring faith of those who built and worshipped within its walls.