St. John’s Episcopal Church stands at 1525 H St NW, beside Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. Consecrated in 1816, this yellow Greek Revival church has six Doric columns and a steeple with a bell cast by Paul Revere’s son. Its French stained-glass windows sit close enough to study scenes from the life of Jesus. Every sitting U.S. president has attended at least once, and Abraham Lincoln’s pew is at the back. You can also attend a service in this historic setting.
A church beside Lafayette Square
St. John’s Episcopal Church is at Sixteenth Street and H Street NW, across from Lafayette Square. Consecrated in 1816, it is a National Historic Landmark. The yellow Greek Revival building has six Doric columns supporting a plain pediment, with a steeple above.
The steeple holds a 1,000-pound bell cast by a son of Paul Revere. Its long history is also tied to the White House: every sitting U.S. president has attended the church at least once, beginning with James Madison.
Stained glass and Lincoln’s pew
Many of the stained-glass windows were imported from France and installed more than a century ago. Their position at eye level lets you view the scenes closely, including Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the Wedding at Cana, as well as episodes from the Gospel of John.
Abraham Lincoln’s pew is at the back of the church. He attended services here during the Civil War, walking back to the White House through Lafayette Park.
Services and visiting
St. John’s holds traditional spiritual services on Inauguration Day. Regular worship also gives visitors a chance to experience the church as a working Episcopal congregation; attendance is not limited to Episcopalians. A noonday prayer service has been held at 12:10 pm, but check the church’s current schedule before planning around it.
The congregation’s stated welcome extends to people of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations and viewpoints. The building has wheelchair-accessible entrances, seating and restrooms. Check the church website for current visiting and service information, as schedules can change.
FAQ
Where is St. John’s Church in Washington, DC?
It is at 1525 H St NW, beside Lafayette Square, at the corner of Sixteenth Street and H Street NW.
What can you see inside St. John’s Church?
Look for French stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the life of Jesus and the Gospel of John, along with Abraham Lincoln’s pew at the back.
Do you have to be Episcopalian to attend a service?
No. A noonday prayer service has been open to anyone present, and the church welcomes people of different backgrounds and viewpoints.
Is St. John’s Church wheelchair accessible?
The church has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating and restrooms.
