WELCOME TO SAINT JOHN’S CHURCH

Welcome to St. John's Church, Lafayette Square—a vibrant historic Episcopal church located across from the White House. We invite you to join with us for worship, Christian fellowship and outreach.

History

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.

Mission

At St. John's, we believe Christ is calling us to be a renewed church in a changing world. In worship, education, parish life, and social action, we seek to expand our horizons by serving God by loving one another.

Clergy, Staff, & Vestry

Meet St. John’s diverse and engaging clergy, vestry and staff.

Directions & Parking

Located at the corner of 16th and H Streets in Northwest Washington, St. John's is near the McPherson Square and Farragut North Metro stations. Limited street parking is available; free valet parking is offered for certain hours.
2020 Update.jpg

Care of Creation: The Beauty—and Barrenness—of Manicured Lawns

Ever since the 1950s, when color television brought us pictures from Augusta of the immaculate turf at The Masters golf championships, Americans have sought equivalent lawns.  We shear our lawns and pamper them with chemicals and water, but the end result is almost always the same:  the beauty is but surface deep and they remain ecological deserts.  Short grass requires more water to keep from turning brown.  Gas-powered lawnmowers lack catalytic converters, and according to the EPA, one can release the same pollution in an hour as 11 cars being driven for an hour.  Excess fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides wash into the watershed, with downstream consequences to wildlife, some of which become food sources and return to haunt our own health. 

What we can do:

  • Reduce lawn size with other plant beds and consider landscaping with native plants, wildflowers, and mulch to minimize maintenance and create habitat spaces.
  • Replace grass with clover, which needs little water and no herbicides … and can bring a constant supply of luck.
  • Look into electric lawnmower options.

  • EVENTS

    Upcoming Events


  • SERMONS/FORUMS