St. John's Episcopal Church

St. John's Episcopal Church is a Greek cross church on Lafayette Square in Washington D.C., built from brick and covered with stucco. Large windows bring daylight into the worship space and shape how the building appears inside.

Benjamin Henry Latrobe designed the building in Greek Revival style, and it opened on October 27, 1816. An expansion in 1883 changed the seating layout and created room for 780 visitors.

Every United States president except Richard Nixon has attended services here, leading to its informal name as the Church of the Presidents. This connection to national leadership makes the building a place where political power and Christian worship regularly meet.

The building is open for regular worship and can accommodate many visitors inside. Anyone interested in American history should visit the interior during a service or public event.

The bell was cast in 1822 by Paul Revere's son and is one of only two working Revere bells in the city. The ringing of the bell connects the place to early American craftsmanship.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1816

Architects: Benjamin Henry Latrobe

Official opening: October 27, 1816

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 38.90039,-77.03609

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26