History

St. John’s Church lies opposite the White House on Lafayette Square. This masterpiece of early Federal-style architecture is a sacred place of worship and participates in civic partnership with the surrounding community. For more than two hundred years, the church and its bell tower have been a continuing witness to the history unfolding in the president’s neighborhood.

St. John’s Church embarked on a much-needed preservation project for the bell tower, and installed a new church roof. Restoring the bell tower preserves a key feature in this iconic skyline, and reroofing the church safeguards one of our nation’s most historic structures.

St. John's is proud to have served as a steward of this symbolic landmark.

The bell tower was built as part of an expansion of the original 1816 church building designed by architect Benjamin Latrobe. On November 30, 1822, a bell cast by the Revere Foundry of Boston was installed in the recently completed tower.

The bell, weighing 964 pounds and costing $400, was purchased through parishioner donations and a contribution of $100 in public funds, authorized by President James Monroe. The bell served not only church purposes, but was also a fire alarm for neighborhood residents, businesses, and nearby public buildings, including the White House. St. John’s bell is one of two Revere bells in Washington, and the only one that has been in continuous use since its installation.

St. John’s Church is a National Historic Landmark. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and a contributing property to the Lafayette Square and Sixteenth Street Historic Districts. The church and the White House itself are the oldest buildings in the neighborhood, and the only buildings from that era that remain in their original use.

St. John’s is the “Church of the Presidents.” Since its opening services in 1816, the parish has been tied to the White House and its neighborhood. Every president beginning with James Madison has attended at least one service at St. John’s, often sitting in Pew 54. Starting with Franklin Roosevelt, many presidents have held their pre-inaugural services here.

While St. John’s is a part of our nation’s history, it is also a thriving and vibrant congregation serving the Washington region. The current Rector is the Reverend Rob Fisher, seen above with the next generation of the St. John’s community.

The bell tower was in visibly poor condition, with significant exterior weathering and warping, and cracks that let in the elements and birds. It was critical to complete this work to prevent further deterioration of the tower and to safeguard structural elements for the future.

Many exterior components of the bell tower and cupola were rehabilitated, recreating extensive detailing, and using high quality, durable and appropriate materials to last for generations to come. Interior improvements included careful inspection and repairs to the bell. The project also included replacement of the existing slate roof over the sanctuary.

As a historic structure and a prominent, central element in the White House viewshed, all work was reviewed and approved by federal and District agencies to meet rigorous historic preservation and building standards. Because of the intricacies of working on the bell tower, the domed roof and the cupola, a structural scaffolding solution was required.

If you would like to learn more about our restoration efforts, please contact John Stowe at (202) 347-8766 ext. 316.