Bethesda Presbyterian Church

Erected in 1822, Bethesda Presbyterian Church is a historic church designed by architect Robert Mills (1781-1855), who is best known for designing the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C. Bethesda Presbyterian is one of only a few of churches designed by Mills still standing in the country. With its Classically inspired design, the church represents Mills' development as an architect. It was built after he became a journeyman but before he started designing federal buildings, including the Department of Treasury building and the U.S. Patent Office. The church was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985 for its association with Mills. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bethesda Presbyterian Church was founded sometime before the American Revolutionary War, during which the first church building (it may have been a meeting house) was destroyed. The second building was erected around 1790 and the third was built in 1806. The congregation continued to grow and it was clear by around 1820 that the church was too small. As as a result, the present, larger sanctuary was built in 1822. Several changes were made to the church over the years but it was mostly restored to its original appearance in the 20th century

By the time the congregation hired Mills, he had already attained a good reputation for his work, which included several churches in Philadelphia. He designed the interior of Bethesda Presbyterian Church to allow the congregants to see and hear the minister better by sloping the floor and adding a coved ceiling. Located in front of the church is the Dekalb Monument, which honors the German major general Baron German, who served in the Revolutionary War and was killed during the Battle of Camden. The Marquis de Lafayette, the famed French military officer who also served in the war, laid the cornerstone of the monument in a ceremony held in 1825.

Eaddy, Mary Ann. "Bethesda Presbyterian Church." National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form. February 4, 1985. https://npgallery.nps.gov/GetAsset/c9407942-b3a6-4d9e-b046-8f00c33fc34a.

"History." Bethesda Presbyterian Church. Accessed June 9, 2021. http://www.bethesdapresbyterianchurch.org/history