“Whoever you are we welcome you.” These words encapsulate the spirit of St. John’s, Lafayette Square. This church has stood for over two centuries. It has witnessed the events that shaped our nation’s capital.
St. John’s Episcopal Church was established in 1815. Noted architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed it. He also worked on the U.S. Capitol building. Latrobe fashioned the church in the form of a simple Greek cross.
The cornerstone was set on September 14 1815. The first service was held on October 27 1816. The church was consecrated on December 27 of that year. A portico and bell tower were added by 1822. Paul Revere’s son cast the bell.
St. John’s is known as the Church of the Presidents. Every president has been welcomed to worship here. This tradition began with James Madison. Several presidents have been regular communicants. This earned St. John’s its status as a National Historic Landmark.
The construction of St. John’s Church dates to 1809. The War of 1812 delayed it. British invaders entered Washington. They set fire to parts of the city including the White House. Latrobe volunteered to design a fitting church. It would be located across from the President’s residence.
Rev. William Hawley was the 2nd Rector of St. John’s Church. From 1817 to 1845 he baptized and married Black Americans. This included people of all legal statuses. Many marriages took place in the Rector’s home. His wife and family were witnesses.
St. John’s Rector Rev. William Hawley presided over the first two state funerals. These were held at the White House. William Henry Harrison’s funeral was in 1841. Zachary Taylor’s followed in 1850.
The Webster-Asburton treaty was negotiated in the parlor of St. John’s Parish House. This treaty resolved disputes about the northern land border with Canada.
Dolley Madison was baptized at St. John’s Church in 1845.
On Good Friday 1865 Secretary of State William Seward was attacked. This was part of the plot to assassinate President Lincoln. Seward was a St. John’s parishioner. He brought Lincoln to the church when he arrived in DC. Seward was stabbed but recovered.
In 1963 the Rev. John C. Harper Rector of St. John’s Church convened a prayer service. This was on the morning of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Attendees departed St. John’s Church. They headed toward the National Mall to join the march. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech at this event.
In June 2020 St. John’s stood at the epicenter of demonstrations. These protests were against police brutality. St. John’s offered grace and the healing love of God. Today the church continues to strive for racial reconciliation. It seeks justice and equity for all people.
St. John’s stands as an enduring symbol of faith. It offers hope in the heart of the United States’ capital. St. John’s seeks to preserve and communicate the many stories it has witnessed. It is open to all who seek community learning or service. It is also a place for quiet reflection. You can bask in the presence of God here.