“God’s love primarily through our service to the poor and through the gift of music.” That is the mission of the Church of the Epiphany. This Episcopal church has a rich history in Washington D.C. It stands as a testament to faith, community, and service.
The Church of the Epiphany was founded in 1842. The first service was held on January 23 1842. The cornerstone was laid on August 14, 1843. It achieved parish status in May 1844. The church building was consecrated on June 3 1852.
Look up at the Gothic Revival architecture. John W. Harkness designed it. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The Church of the Epiphany has been a significant landmark. It reflects both religious and architectural history.
During the Civil War, the Church of the Epiphany experienced division. Senator Jefferson Davis had rented pew number 14. Three of his children were confirmed here. After Davis moved to Richmond to become the Confederacy’s president, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton rented that pew. President Abraham Lincoln attended the funeral of General Frederick Lander here on March 6, 1862. From July to December 1862, the church served as a hospital for Union troops.
In 1858, the congregation established the Epiphany Church Home. It helped the poor and sick. This commitment to service continues today. The Church of the Epiphany offers a Sunday morning Welcome Table breakfast. It provides a meal to 200 homeless men and women each Sunday.
Epiphany is also a center for arts programming. The Epiphany Tuesday Concert Series offers free music from local artists each week. The church is a venue for Washington D.C. orchestras, choirs, and performance groups.
The Epiphany Tower Chimes have a unique history. The original tower had a single bell. During the Civil War, it was melted down for its metal. In 1922, a new tower was built. It allowed for a chime of bells as a tribute to Dr. Randolph Harrison McKim. These were the first true set of church bells in Washington. The largest bell reads “Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth Peace, Good Will Toward Men”.
The bells have rung for every presidential inauguration since Calvin Coolidge. After Truman’s, Eisenhower’s inaugurations, recordings of the bells were featured on national radio. Today, the bells chime the quarter hours. They play hymn-based peals on Sunday mornings and weekdays at noon.
The Church of the Epiphany is more than a building. It is a living testament to faith. It embodies service and community. As you stand here, remember its history. Consider its ongoing mission. The Church of the Epiphany continues to transform hearts and the world.