Imagine a steeple reaching 130 feet. It pierces the sky above Arlington Boulevard. This is The Falls Church Anglican. It stands as a beacon. It is visible to countless travelers daily.
The Falls Church Anglican is more than just a building. It is one of the oldest congregations in the country. Its history stretches back to colonial times. George Washington himself served on its vestry. He was also on the building committee.
Today The Falls Church Anglican’s campus is on a compact site. It includes a pre-existing five-story office building. There is also a new six-level parking garage. The office building houses youth spaces. It also has meeting rooms and administrative offices. Other tenants share the space too. The site is master planned for future expansion. Future phases include a chapel. A parish life center is planned. There will be a kitchen and classrooms.
The highlight is the new sanctuary building. The steeple tower is instantly recognizable. To save space for future buildings, the layout is unique. Gathering and children’s spaces are on the ground level. The 900-seat worship space is elevated to the second level.
The Falls Church Anglican’s architecture is neo-gothic. It is simplified and modernized. The church follows a traditional cross-shaped plan. This design brings people closer to the central focus of worship. Natural light fills the sanctuary. Tall gothic arches draw the eyes upward. The ceiling is vaulted.
One unique aspect is the blending of old and new. The Falls Church Anglican integrates sophisticated audio. It also uses video and lighting systems. These are incorporated into the traditional sanctuary. This technology supports a broad range of events. It also allows for diverse musical styles. The goal is to amplify worship. It does this by being modern in capabilities. It remains traditionally beautiful.
The Falls Church Anglican has roots in colonial Virginia. In 1732, the Virginia Colonial General Assembly established Truro Parish. The first church was a simple wooden structure. It was completed in 1734. It stood on the site of the current church. Richard Blackburn built it. John Trammell gave the vestry the land. He received fifty shillings in return. Before this, clergymen lived near Quantico. The nearest church was Occoquan Church.
The name “The Falls Church” comes from its location. It was near the falls of the Potomac River. This name was commonly used after 1742. The community adopted the name. The city used it when incorporated in 1948.
By 1762, the wood building was decaying. The parish vestry ordered a new brick building. George Washington and George William Fairfax were appointed church wardens in 1763. They were responsible for contracting the new building. However, the parish divided in 1765. Washington was not successful in finding a contractor before then.
Work began in 1767. Colonel James Wren directed it. He was a vestry member. He also designed the building. Wren also designed Christ Church in Alexandria. He designed Pohick Church as well. The three Wren churches share a symmetrical Georgian style. The new building was completed in 1769. It is the oldest remaining church building north of Quantico in Virginia.
During the Revolutionary War, the church served as a recruiting station. The Declaration of Independence was read here. It was read to local citizens from the steps. The Anglican Church was disestablished in Virginia in 1784. By the next century, the building was virtually abandoned.
In the early 1800s, community leaders helped reopen the church. Francis Scott Key was one such leader. He was an active Episcopalian. He delivered exhortations. Henry Fairfax used his own funds to restore the building.
Today The Falls Church Anglican stands as a testament to history. It is a place of worship. It is a landmark for the community. It is a beacon to all.