Emory Chapel

Did President Lincoln really dodge bullets right here? Let’s talk about Emory Chapel. It’s more than just a beautiful building. It’s a testament to resilience. Imagine, a church so strategically placed that it became part of a Civil War fort. During the battle of Fort Stevens, Emory Chapel stood on the eastern section of the fort. This very ground witnessed the only direct attack on the nation’s capital. It was here that President Lincoln found himself under enemy fire, making him the only sitting president to experience such a thing. The original church building, sadly, didn’t survive. Union forces demolished it to fortify the fort’s defenses. But the congregation persevered. They worshipped in the nearby Military Road School until they could rebuild. In 1870, a small stone chapel rose, south of the original church’s location. This new Emory Chapel symbolized the community’s unwavering spirit. The Brightwood neighborhood flourished, and so did Emory Chapel. Streetcars brought new residents. The church became a cornerstone of the growing community. But hardship struck again with World War I. Many congregants served in the military. Some never returned. In the war’s aftermath, the church provided comfort and support to soldiers recovering at Walter Reed General Hospital. By 1922, the small chapel was outgrown. A grand Classical Revival structure took its place. The prominent architectural firm of Milburn, Heister and Company designed this “one of the handsomest churches in the city.” Today, Emory Chapel, at 6100 Georgia Avenue NW, continues to serve its community. It offers worship services, Sunday school, and youth programs. It stands as a powerful reminder of faith, resilience, and history. So, the next time you pass by Emory Chapel, remember the stories it holds within its walls. Remember President Lincoln, the Civil War, and the unwavering spirit of a community that rebuilt, not once, but twice.