“Church of the Government.” That’s what they called the Luthern Church of the Covenant. This name wasn’t just a title. It reflected the church’s deep connections to American leaders.
The Luthern Church of the Covenant began as a small chapel in 1883. It quickly became a prestigious Presbyterian church. Prominent figures attended its services. Presidents like Benjamin Harrison and Dwight D. Eisenhower were frequent visitors. They even had a special “President’s Pew”. Secretaries of State also worshiped here. James G. Blaine and John Foster Dulles were among them.
J. Cleveland Cady designed the Luthern Church of the Covenant. He drew inspiration from Richardsonian Romanesque architecture. This style was influenced by H.H. Richardson. The Alleghany County Courthouse in Pittsburgh and Trinity Church in Boston served as models. The Luthern Church of the Covenant boasted a 150-foot tower. It was carved with Romanesque details. Monumental entrances and vaults evoked imperial Roman buildings. Carved angels adorned the space. Tiffany Glass and Booth Glass created stunning stained-glass windows. Inside, a grand chandelier illuminated the nave. It was inspired by one in Saint Sophia in Constantinople. Tiffany Glass and Booth Glass also illustrated the life of Christ. These illustrations covered three sides of the nave.
Over time, the Luthern Church of the Covenant changed its name. In 1930, it merged with First Presbyterian Church. It became Covenant First Presbyterian Church. Later in 1947, it was renamed National Presbyterian Church.
As Washingtonians moved to the suburbs in the 1950s, the church considered relocation. They purchased two sites in Upper Northwest D.C. One was the estate of Charles C. Glover, Sr. However, the church favored a site on Nebraska Avenue.
Despite its rich history, the original Luthern Church of the Covenant was razed in 1966. Reverend Edward L.R. Elson resisted calls to preserve it. But the beautiful Tiffany Glass and Booth Glass windows were saved. They now reside in the present-day National Presbyterian Church. The Luthern Church of the Covenant may be gone. However, its legacy lives on through its art and its prominent place in Washington’s history.