Christ Church, Washington Parish
Introduction
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Christ Church was the first Episcopal Church in Washington DC.
![Christ Church was the first Episcopal Church in Washington DC.](https://storage.googleapis.com/clio-images/medium_20598.42478.jpg)
Backstory and Context
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The church has had several prominent members, most notably composer John Philip Sousa who was married in the church and is now buried in Congressional Cemetery next door. Presidents James Madison and James Monroe were known to have worshiped at Christ Church.
Additions and enhancements were added to the church over time significantly altering the original design. One included a square bell tower in 1849 that served as a lookout point during the Civil War. A Parish Hall was added in 1874. Other alterations from the original structure included extending the building several feet, putting in bay windows and adding a narthex. A chancel section was added, as were stained glass windows, support structures and the exterior also received upgrades at different points. Other changes were made and a rectory was added next door. The original rectory was torn down and another built in its place in the 1920s.
Today the church has regular Sunday and Wednesday worship services. It has an active congregation, a children’s ministry and a choir that it is quite proud of. Its mission, according to its website, is to be a welcoming, diverse, thankful and joyous Episcopal community of faith committed to nurturing its members and neighbors through worship and service.
Sources
Christ Church. National Register of Historical Places. Accessed December 27, 2017. https://npgallery.nps.gov/pdfhost/docs/NRHP/Text/69000291.pdf.