Beneath the shadow of the White House stands a testament to faith. Saint John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is more than just a building. It is a landmark of American history. Saint John’s Church is often called the Church of the Presidents. Every president since James Madison has attended services here. Its story is woven into the fabric of Washington D.C.
Organized as a parish in 1815, Saint John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was named for Saint John the Evangelist. The first service was held on October 27, 1816. Imagine the excitement as the doors opened. The reverend William Dickinson Hawley served as rector from 1817 to 1845. He also served as Chaplain of the Senate.
The need for a local church became clear in 1814. Residents wanted a place of worship closer to home. Thomas H Gillis and James Davidson were actively engaged in the church’s creation. Lund Washington and Peter Hagner also helped. John Graham and John Peter Van Ness were key figures too. These men worked to erect Saint John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.
The first entry in the church’s record book is dated May 10, 1816. Trustees were appointed to manage the secular affairs of Saint John’s. They sought a division of the Parish of Washington. The trustees included John Davidson and Peter Hagner. James Thompson and John Peter Van Ness were also involved.
Bishop James Kemp of Maryland consecrated Saint John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church on December 27, 1816. The building was designed by Benjamin Latrobe. He declined compensation. The vestry offered him a free pew. Instead, he requested a piece of plate to pass on to his children. John Tayloe III donated a communion service of silver.
By 1842, the church needed more seating. A committee was formed to increase the number of pews. They also improved access to the galleries. Richard Smith and John Canfield Spencer served on this committee. Peter Hagner and Benjamin Ogle Tayloe contributed as well. William Thomas Carroll also helped.
Still more changes were made in 1883. Almost all the windows were filled with stained glass. The chancel was enlarged. A new organ was installed. An addition was made for a chantry. New vestry rooms, choir rooms, and offices were erected. The church’s seating capacity increased to 780.
Every president has attended Saint John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church at least once. James Madison started the tradition of a president’s pew. He selected pew 28 in 1816. During a renovation in 1843, the pews were renumbered. The president’s pew became pew 58. John Tyler asked that pew 58 be assigned to him. Renovations in 1883 renumbered the seat to pew 54. This pew remains reserved for the president.
Chester A Arthur commissioned a memorial window for his wife. It was placed in the church’s south transept.
During the George Floyd protests on May 31, 2020, a fire was set in the basement of Ashburton House. This is the parish house of Saint John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The fire was small and isolated to the nursery.
Saint John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. It is a contributing property to the Lafayette Square Historic District. The church is constructed of stucco-covered brick. It takes the form of a Greek cross. In 1820, the portico and tower were added.
The bell in Saint John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church’s steeple weighs nearly 1000 pounds. Joseph Revere cast it in Boston in 1822. The bell also served as an alarm bell for the neighborhoods.
Artwork includes sculptures by Jay Hall Carpenter. There is a chapel cross in polished brass. Also, Ascent Into Heaven is a bronze angel and child. Saint John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church stands as a symbol of faith and history. It welcomes all who seek solace and inspiration. Its doors are open. Its story continues.