Saint John's Church
- Architect
- Benjamin Henry Latrobe
- Year
- 1816
- Style
- Greek Revival
- City
- Washington, DC
St. John's Episcopal Church was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe and opened for its first service on October 27, 1816, one block from the White House at 16th and H Streets NW, adjacent to Lafayette Square. Known as the 'Church of the Presidents,' it has been attended by every sitting U.S. president at least once since James Madison, and many Inauguration Day services have been held here. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960.
the building
Yellow facade and portico. The church presents a distinctive yellow facade with a portico facing H Street, set adjacent to Lafayette Square in Greek Revival form.
Presidential pew tradition. Every sitting U.S. president has attended at least one service here since James Madison, and many Inauguration Day spiritual services have been held at the church.
the style
The church is built in the Greek Revival style Latrobe favored for civic and religious commissions of the era.
More on Greek Revivalsignificance
St. John's Episcopal was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960, is listed on and a contributing property to the National Register of Historic Places, and is also DC Historic Landmark #L_0305.
nearby
- United States Chamber of Commerce
- Third Church of Christ, Scientist
- Freedman's Bank Building
- The St. Regis Washington, D.C.
- Riggs National Bank
- American Security and Trust Company