Amidst the bustling energy of Capitol Hill, discover the inspiring tale of Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church. This church stands as a beacon of faith and community, just a short walk from the US Capitol Building. Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church has served the community for over a century. It is a place where all are welcome.
Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church started with a simple letter in 1864. Several women, tired of their long journey to the nearest Presbyterian church, wrote to Reverend John Chester. They had read about him starting a church under a tree. They wondered if he could help them build a church on Capitol Hill. Reverend Chester saw their request as a divine calling. He promptly traveled to Washington D.C. and delivered a sermon. The positive response led him to resign from his position in New Jersey and move his family to Washington. On April 11, 1864, Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church officially joined the Presbytery of the Potomac with 34 members.
The church quickly outgrew its initial spaces, some of which included the Capitol Building itself. By 1868, the need for a larger building became apparent. The church’s assets merged with those of the Metropolitan Church. This was a corporation intended to establish a National Presbyterian Church. The architect Emil Sophus Friedrich designed the new structure. However, the construction faced a major setback when the contractor went bankrupt after only completing the first floor. Despite this financial hardship, the building was eventually completed in 1872. President Ulysses S. Grant attended the dedication service. Due to budget constraints, the planned iron spire for the tower was never built, resulting in the tower’s current appearance. The spire would have cost an additional $1,500.
In 1892, the growing Sunday School program prompted the addition of a smaller building next to the church, now often referred to as the “Chapel”. The church thrived into the early 20th century. By the 1940s, membership peaked at around 900. Pastor Dr. Lowery Fendrich started the “Institute of Applied Religion and Psychology” and broadcast radio programs from the church. However, internal disagreements led to Dr. Fendrich’s departure in 1944. He accepted a position in Cincinnati.
Following World War II, many families moved to the suburbs, leading to declining membership in many urban churches. In 1955, Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church merged with Eastern Presbyterian. They kept the name Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church. During the 1970s, a controversial proposal to demolish the church and build townhouses was thankfully defeated. Then, just two days before Easter Sunday in 1984, a fire caused by lightning struck the church attic. A homeless man named Don Huff, who had a connection to the church, noticed the fire and quickly alerted the fire department. His swift action likely saved the building from complete destruction. Architect Dudley Brown played a key role in the church’s restoration. He skillfully preserved the stained glass windows and remodeled the sanctuary. For a year following the fire, services were held in Fellowship Hall. Today, Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church continues to be a vibrant and inclusive community. They welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs. They are dedicated to serving their community and exploring faith together.