What if these stones of Saint David’s Episcopal Church could talk? They would tell tales spanning centuries. They would whisper stories of faith and community in Washington D.C. Saint David’s Episcopal Church stands as a testament to enduring values. It is a place where history and spirituality intertwine.
Saint David’s Episcopal Church offers Sunday services. You can attend Holy Eucharist services at 8:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. A nursery is available during the 10:15 a.m. service. There are also alternating services at 5:00 p.m. Check the calendar for specific details. Additional services include Wednesday Eucharist at 12:00 p.m. It is held outside if weather permits. Saturday Evening Prayer is at 4:00 p.m. It moves to 5:00 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time in the summer.
The story of Saint David’s Episcopal Church begins long before its physical presence here. We remember and honor the Indigenous people of the world. We especially honor the Lenape. They are also known as the Lenni-Lenape or Delaware Indians. Saint David’s Church stands on their ancestral land. It was once their home called the “Lenapehoking”. The church acknowledges the Lenape Nation.
Saint David’s Episcopal Church has deep roots. It is the largest of 157 parishes in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. The church marked its 300th anniversary in 2015. People reflected on those who shaped Saint David’s.
Welsh colonists settled in an area known as Radnor. That happened toward the close of the seventeenth century. In 1704, they sent a petition to London. It requested Welsh prayer books. More importantly, they wanted a Welsh-speaking missionary. Ten years later, the settlers built a stone church. They named it after the Patron Saint of Wales. The cornerstone was laid on May 9, 1715.
During the Revolution, resentment arose against the Church of England. Anthony Wayne, a leader in the opposition, is buried in the churchyard. The church building sheltered soldiers from both sides.
Saint David’s was represented at the first General Convention. It was the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States in 1784. The church was incorporated in August 1792. New life was breathed into Saint David’s in 1820. The first church school was organized. Bishop William White conducted the first confirmation services.
The opening of the “Main Line” of the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1832 brought social change. Philadelphians began to buy and develop land. Saint David’s acquired urban parishioners. The “Old Rectory” was added in 1844.
Over the years, the church complex has grown. A parish house was built in 1924 and enlarged in 1950. A chapel was constructed in 1956. The Knewstub Building for education was added in 1965. In 2006, a new chapel was consecrated. In 2015, the church expanded the 1956 chapel.
Saint David’s Churchyard is a place of rest. It is a place for reflection. The churchyard is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The Saint David’s Arboretum was established in the late 1940s. The John Newbold Family beautified the area.
Gravesites have been in use for nearly 300 years. General Anthony Wayne is buried here. The grounds welcome all. Gravesites are available for parishioners only.
As you leave Saint David’s Episcopal Church, remember the stories. Remember the people who shaped this sacred place. May the spirit of Saint David’s inspire you.