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 St. John's Epsicopal Church - Washington, DC Posted by:  showbizkid
N 38° 54.025 W 077° 02.178
18S E 323418 N 4307696
St. John's Church, established in 1815, stands opposite the White House on the north side of Lafayette Square, once known as Federal or President's Square. The parish was organized to serve as a church for occupants of the White House and their families. James Madison, in office in 1815, was a communicant. Every Chief Executive since has attended regular or occasional services. Hence, St. John's has become known as the "Church of the Presidents."
Waymark Code: WM1AMB
Location: District of Columbia, United States
Date Posted: 03/17/2007
Views: 99
Long known as "the Church of the Presidents," St. John's Episcopal Church has served virtually as the chapel to the White House for nearly two centuries. Every President since James Madison has worshiped here on some occasion. As far back as 1816, records show that a committee was formed to wait on the President of the United States and offer him a pew. James Madison chose pew 54 and insisted on paying the customary annual rental. The next five Presidents in succession--James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren and William Henry Harrison--occupied this pew during their terms of office. Since then, by tradition, pew 54 has been set aside for Presidents of the United States. There are other ways in which the church is further connected with Presidents. Many Presidents have been members of the church. James Madison's wife, Dolly, was baptized and confirmed here. Franklin D. Roosevelt paid homage to tradition by spending a few minutes in prayer here on his two inauguration days.
The church was built in 1816 by Benjamin Latrobe, the noted architect who worked on the Capitol and the White House, as well as the Decatur House. The original Classical style church was built in the form of a Greek Cross, where each arm was equal in length. Latrobe conceived of his churches as meeting houses, with open preaching space unencumbered by piers and columns. As a result, he insisted on simplicity in architecture and a pulpit centrally located so that all might see. St. John's size soon proved inadequate for the growing congregation. In 1820, workmen extended the west transept arm and fronted it with a Roman Doric portico, which resulted in a Latin Cross form.
Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1816
Age of Church building determined by?: Cornerstone or plaque
If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Episcopal
If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: From: 11:00 AM To: 3:00 PM
If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday
Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 11:00 AM
Street address of Church:
Lafayette Square
16th & H Streets, NW
Washington, DC USA
20005
Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]
Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]
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