Christ Church (Alexandria, Virginia) facts for kids
|
Christ Church
|
|
The front of Christ Church in 2021.
|
|
 Location in Alexandria Historical District
Location in Alexandria
Location in Northern Virginia
Location in Virginia
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 118 North Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia |
|---|---|
| Built | Completed February 27, 1773 |
| Architect | James Wren |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| NRHP reference No. | 70000899 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | May 10, 1970 |
| Designated NHL | April 15, 1970 |
Christ Church is a historic Episcopal church in Alexandria, Virginia. It was built in the 1700s when Virginia was still an English colony. The church is famous because many important people in American history have attended services there, including George Washington.
The church was designed by Colonel James Wren. Over the years, many famous people have been members, such as Robert E. Lee and Henry H. Fowler. It was a tradition for U.S. presidents to visit the church for a service. On New Year's Day in 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill prayed for peace there during World War II.
Originally called Fairfax Church, it was renamed Christ Church in 1816. Because of its long and important history, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1970.
Contents
History of the Church
Building a Colonial Church
Christ Church is located in the historic area known as Old Town in Alexandria. The church is a two-story brick building. Its design is similar to another famous old church in the area, Pohick Church.
The church community, or congregation, was formed in 1765. At the time, the Church of England was the official church of the Virginia colony. The congregation decided to build two churches, this one in Alexandria and another in Falls Church.
To pay for the building, the church collected over 31,000 pounds of tobacco from its members. Tobacco was very valuable and was often used like money. Construction started in 1765, but it took many years. The first builder was replaced, and a man named John Carlyle finished the job. The church officially opened in February 1773.
The Church During a Time of Change
During the American Revolutionary War, the church's leader, Rector David Griffith, strongly supported America's independence from Great Britain. After the war, the Church of England was no longer the official church of Virginia. Christ Church survived because its members, including George Washington, gave money to support it.
The church's inside was not damaged during the American Civil War, which was rare for churches in Virginia. However, Union soldiers did occupy the building for a time. During the war, many of the gravestones in the churchyard were lost.
Inside Christ Church
_-_DSC03515.JPG)
The inside of the church has changed over the years. At first, it had "box pews," which were like small rooms with walls around them where families would sit. The pulpit, where the church leader speaks, was a two-level structure.
In the 1800s, stoves were added to heat the church. The box pews were replaced with the bench-style pews that are still there today. The original pulpit was also replaced with the current one, which is shaped like a wine glass.
On the walls, you can see special hand-painted plaques. They show the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles' Creed, and the Golden Rule. These plaques were painted by the church's original architect, James Wren.
The Churchyard and Memorials
The churchyard is the cemetery surrounding the church. It contains the graves of many interesting people. Two of George Washington's pallbearers (men who carried his coffin), Charles Simms and Philip Marsteller, are buried there.
There is also a mass grave for 34 Confederate soldiers who were prisoners of war during the Civil War. A memorial stone marks the spot where they are buried.
For many years, special plaques honoring George Washington and Robert E. Lee were displayed inside the church. In 2017, the church leaders decided to move these plaques to another location on the church grounds. They wanted to make sure the main worship area felt welcoming to everyone.
See also
