ST. JOHN’S CHURCH
St. John’s Church, sometimes called the President’s Church, while not the oldest in the city, has a history which is unique. Probably no other church of any denomination in the United States has had throughout its history such a distinguished roster of communicants as has St. John’s, located at Sixteenth and H Streets NW.
The title, the “President’s Church,” was derived in this way: In 1816, before the church was consecrated or any pews sold, a committee from the vestry was instructed to make the offer of a pew to President Madison. He accepted and thereafter occupied pew No. 28 even more frequently than his pew in Christ Church. The custom of preserving a pew for the President has been continued, and a number have regularly worshiped there.
Situated in the heart of official Washington, for a century it has been the place of worship of Presidents, Cabinet officers, distinguished soldiers and diplomats, and leaders in the professional life of the city. In the year 1812 there were two Episcopal churches within the present city limits—Christ Church, Navy Yard, and St. John’s, Georgetown. There was need for a third, caused by the fact that the White House and departmental buildings were erected at a point almost midway between these two. Washington in those days undoubtedly seemed a city of magnificent distances. So, on April 6, 1812, a committee was appointed by the vestry of the mother parish of Christ Church to meet the situation. Then came the War of 1812, when both the city and the public buildings suffered, and it was not until September 14, 1815, that the corner stone of St. John’s, Washington, was laid.
ST. JOHN’S CHURCH
Jonathan Elliott, in his history of the District published in 1831, said of St. John’s Church:
It was built of brick, covered with rough stucco, in the form of a Grecian cross; but being too small for its congregation, in 1820 it was enlarged by lengthening its western arm, to the form of a Latin cross; and a portico and tower were also added.
EARLY VIEW OF ST. JOHN’S CHURCH
The most notable changes were made in 1863, when a sanctuary was added, the interior remodeled, and many fine additions put in place. Since that time there have been few changes of importance save in the interior decorations and sanctuary beautification. The eye can not glance in any direction without seeing some memorial. Over the altar is a brass cross, commemorating President Arthur. In the west wall is a window commemorating Presidents Madison, Monroe, and Van Buren. A window in the east wall commemorates Presidents Tyler, Harrison, and Taylor. Over the south gallery is a memorial window to Gen. Winfield Scott. The atmosphere of the old church is vibrant of memories. But St. John’s is far from being entirely a church of memories. It has made possible several undertakings of institutional character in the diocese.