Did you know that the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes has a history intertwined with the very fabric of Washington DC? This stunning Gothic Revival building stands before you a testament to faith perseverance and the generosity of remarkable individuals.
The Church of the Ascension began humbly in 1844. A small group of Episcopalians met to form their own parish. They initially worshipped in a schoolhouse. Their dream was to build their own church. Martha Burnes Van Ness a wealthy parishioner played a pivotal role. She left land to the parish for their new building. Her husband John Peter Van Ness later the mayor of Washington donated the land after her death. The cornerstone was laid in 1844. The Church of the Ascension opened its doors in December 1844.
The early years weren’t easy for the Church of the Ascension. Financial struggles and illness plagued the parish. The Civil War brought further challenges. The rector Reverend William Pinkney sympathized with the South. This caused friction with Bishop William Whittingham a Unionist. In 1862 the church was even commandeered as a military hospital. William Corcoran a prominent banker stepped in. He offered the congregation a building to use during the war.
After the war the Church of the Ascension thrived again. It quickly outgrew its building. The congregation decided to build a grand new church. Corcoran generously donated the land at Massachusetts Avenue and 12th Street. He also contributed $100000 towards the $205000 construction cost. The new Church of the Ascension designed by Dixon and Carson opened in 1875. It was made of white marble and pink sandstone. The tower and spire were visible across much of the city.
Even with Corcoran’s gift the Church of the Ascension faced ongoing financial difficulties. A fundraising campaign in 1877 saved the parish from dissolution. Corcoran pledged another $10000. The parish finally paid off its construction debt in 1885. The Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes merged in the 1940s. That is how the church got its current name. This remarkable building has witnessed over a century and a half of faith community and resilience. Today the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes continues to serve as a vital part of the Washington DC community. The Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes is a symbol of hope and perseverance. It stands as a reminder of the power of faith and community.