Imagine a church so close to power. It has witnessed history unfold for over two centuries. This is Saint John’s, Lafayette Square. It stands as a testament to faith and resilience in the heart of Washington D.C.
Saint John’s Episcopal Church was established in 1815. It was meant to serve the growing community near the White House. Architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed it. He also worked on the U.S. Capitol. Latrobe chose a simple Greek cross form for the church.
The cornerstone was laid in September 1815. The first service took place in October 1816. Saint John’s was officially consecrated in December of that year. A portico and bell tower were added by 1822. The bell was cast by Paul Revere’s son.
Every president since James Madison has worshipped here. Saint John’s is rightly known as the Church of the Presidents. Several presidents were regular members. This earned Saint John’s its status as a National Historic Landmark.
In June 2020 Saint John’s faced a challenging moment. Demonstrations against police brutality put the church at the center of attention. Despite this Saint John’s offered grace and healing. Today the church strives for racial reconciliation, justice, and equity.
The bell tower suffered damage over time. Weather, insects, and birds took their toll. The wood was rotting. Bolts holding the bell needed replacement. The dome needed a new metal coat. A $100000 grant helped study the tower’s renovation. The nearly thousand-pound bell is now ready to ring again. It was rededicated after extensive work.
Steven Spielberg even recorded the sound of Saint John’s bell. He used it in his 2012 film Lincoln. Spielberg also recorded sounds from a pew Lincoln used for prayer. He wanted authentic sounds for the movie.
Much of the tower’s exterior wood was beyond saving. However the old-growth Virginia yellow pine inside was in good condition. Craftspeople beautifully fitted the dome’s wood. The nails were hand-cut. Each one tells a story.
The copper on the dome was replaced. It was re-gilded by skilled workers. The bell was remounted and inspected. President Monroe had contributed to its purchase. The exterior wood was replaced with Poly-Ash. This material resists future damage. The weathervane was also spruced up.
Saint John’s is one of the few buildings on the square serving its original purpose. People can sit in Lincoln’s pew. There aren’t many places where you can do that. At Saint John’s there are actually two.
Saint John’s stands as a beacon. It welcomes all who seek community, learning, or quiet reflection. It is a place for everyone regardless of race, gender, or viewpoint. Here in the heart of the nation’s capital Saint John’s embraces all. It offers a place to connect with God. It fosters a community grounded in love.