Contact
Links
Site Map
Home

From our organization as a parish in 1815 to today, St. John's Church has provided a powerful symbol of faith in the heart of our nation's capital. Known as "The Church of the Presidents" and registered as a national historic landmark, St. John's was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe to serve a growing residential community in the neighborhoods in the western end of Washington, including those adjacent to Lafayette (then called President's or Federal) Square. James Madison and several early presidents after him were communicants, as were more recent chief executives.

St. John's first service was held in October 1816. From that time to the present, every person who has held the office of President of the United States has attended a regular or occasional service at St. John's. Pew 54 is the President's Pew, and is reserved for the chief executive's use when in attendance.

Yet the real power and prestige of St. John's emanates from the generations of faithful parishioners who, unfailing in Christian love, compassion, and generosity, have responded to the needs of their day, reaching across our city and around the globe in service to the world. From the founding of an orphanage in 1868 to serve children of the Civil War to modern-day ministry in Honduras, South Africa, New Orleans, and more, St. John's has an effect on our nation and our world. St. John's has about 1,000 members. Newcomers to the Washington area are invited to become members of the parish, and visitors are always welcome at services and parish activities.

The bell in St. John's steeple weighs nearly 1,000 pounds. It was cast by Paul Revere's son, Joseph, at his Boston foundry in August 1822 and installed at St. John's on November 30, 1822. President James Monroe authorized a $100 contribution of public funds toward the purchase of this church bell, which also served as an alarm bell for the neighborhoods and public buildings in the vicinity of the church. St. John's bell is one of two Revere bells in Washington, both cast and installed in 1822. However, of the two, St. John's bell is the only one that has been in continuous service since its installation.

The Parish House adjoining the church at 1525 H Street, N.W., was once the British Legation. It was here in 1842 that Lord Alexander Baring Ashburton and U.S. Secretary of State Daniel Webster signed the treaty finalizing the border between the New England states and the Canadian Maritime Provinces.

Tours of the church are available on a regular basis following the 11:00 a.m. service (10:30 a.m. during the summer) on most Sundays. Special tours may be arranged by contacting the church office at 202.347.8766.

Rev. William Wilmer	1816-1817
Rev. William Hawley	1817-1845
Rev. Smith Pyne	1845-1864
Rev. John V. Lewis	1865-1880
Rev. William A. Leonard	1881-1889
Rev. George Douglas	1889-1892
Rev. Alexander MacKay-Smith	1892-1902
Rev. Roland C. Smith	1902-1922
Rev. Robert Johnston	1922-1933
Rev. Oliver J. Hart	1934-1940
Rev. C. Leslie Glenn	1940-1956
Rev. Donald Mayberry	1957-1962
Rev. John C. Harper	1963-1993
Rev. Luis León	1994-

Benjamin Henry Latrobe, considered by many to be our country's first professional architect because of his training in architecture and engineering, designed St. John's Church in 1815. He had emigrated from Great Britain in 1796, and in 1803 was appointed Surveyor of Public Buildings and Architect of the Capitol by President Thomas Jefferson. Latrobe was responsible for rebuilding the White House (then called the President's House) and the Capitol following the War of 1812.

The original church building was designed in the shape of a Greek cross with four arms. Neoclassical in style, it was the second building on the Lafayette Square after the White House. (Latrobe also designed the third structure, Decatur House, completed in 1818.) Latrobe took no fee for his design of St. John's. He composed the dedicatory hymn and played the organ at the consecration service on December 27, 1816.

Latrobe's simple yet elegant design for St. John's may be a reflection of his Moravian background. The circle of the dome and of the gallery that surrounded the sanctuary on three sides served to reinforce each other and the overall simplicity of the design. In the sanctuary, a pulpit was located in front of the chancel, with the space surrounding it and the altar cutting an arc into the central pews. Box pews, a center aisle, semicircular aisles on each side, a brick floor, and clear glass windows completed Latrobe's overall scheme. In the early 1820s, the nave was extended west, and a colonnaded portico and timber-frame steeple were constructed.

Over the years, other architectural changes to St. John's have continued to reflect both the growth of the congregation and the City of Washington. Removal of the box pews in the 1840s made way for additional seating. In the 1880s, under direction of architect James Renwick, the church was redecorated and the chancel was extended east with additions constructed to the north and south. This renovation provided additional space for an organ room, robing room, rector's study, and additional pews. The installation of stained glass in place of clear during the same period changed the interior look forever.

In 1919, the church embarked on a renovation campaign under the direction of the architectural firm McKim, Mead & White. The interior of the church was entirely redecorated, and a new lighting system was installed. The firm also oversaw the installation of marble in the chancel and the modification of the narthex. Windows were added and enlarged to bring more light into the church.

Today's church building and the Parish House reflect the continuing stewardship of an active and vibrant congregation during that past nearly two centuries.

Click here for more information concerning the stained glass windows.

St. John's on C-SPAN:  You may view several videos on St. John's history presented by historian Richard Grimmett, St. John's parishioner and author of a history on St. John's.  Click here to see a 30 minute segment on St. John's history (http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/JohnsC).  To view an eight minute video on St. John's and Dolley Madison,  click here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmaD6WECHV4). These videos are also available for purchase by going to the C-SPAN homepage. 

St. John's History by Richard Grimmett:  Go to www.churchof presidents.org to purchase a copy.  All profits made through the special website go directly to St. John's.
 

Additional links on this topic:

Stained Glass Windows