Old Presbyterian Meeting House facts for kids
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Old Presbyterian Meeting House
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Front facade (2011)
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 Location in Alexandria Historical District
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| Location | 321 S. Fairfax St., Alexandria, Virginia |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1775, rebuilt 1836 |
| Architectural style | Early Republic |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000143 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | February 16, 2001 |
The Old Presbyterian Meeting House is a Christian church in Alexandria, Virginia. It is located at 321 South Fairfax Street in the Old Town area. This church is part of the larger Presbyterian Church (USA) group.
The original church building was finished in 1775. It was built in a style called Early Republic. Sadly, a big fire destroyed most of it in 1835. But the church was rebuilt the very next year, in 1836. A bell tower was added in 1843, and new granite steps were put in place in 1853. In 2001, the church grounds were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is a very important historical site.
Contents
History of the Meeting House
The story of the Meeting House began in the early 1700s. Many Scottish Presbyterians were among the first European settlers in Northern Virginia. They helped create Alexandria as a port city in 1749. These Presbyterians started holding public worship services in the 1760s. Their first official minister arrived in 1772. The Meeting House itself was built in 1775.
Rebuilding After the Fire
After the big fire in 1835, the church was rebuilt quickly. It kept its simple, traditional look. Besides the bell tower added in 1843 and the granite steps in 1853, the church looks much the same today.
George Washington's Visits
Many important people have gathered at the Meeting House over the years. Even George Washington, who was the first President of the United States, attended services here. One special service he attended was for a "National Day of Solemn Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer" in 1798. When George Washington passed away in 1799, his memorial services in Alexandria were held at this church. The church bell rang for four days to show sadness.
Through the Civil War and Beyond
The Meeting House stayed open for worship during the Civil War. However, fewer people attended after the war. In 1899, the building closed for regular worship. All of the church's property was then looked after by another church, the Second Presbyterian Church.
For the next 50 years, the building was used as both a museum and a place for worship. In 1949, a new group of people started a congregation here. They decided to call themselves "the Old Presbyterian Meeting House" congregation.
Music at the Meeting House
Music has always been a big part of the Meeting House's history. The church has hosted public concerts for over 200 years. Its first pipe organ was installed in 1817. This was the first pipe organ ever in a Presbyterian church in the United States. Sadly, this organ was destroyed in the 1835 fire. The pipe organ you see in the front of the church today was built in 1849. Another pipe organ was added in the back of the church in 1997.
Church Grounds
Next to the Meeting House, you will find a Burial Ground and several other buildings. The Flounder House, built in 1787, was originally a home for the minister. The Elliot House, built in 1844, was once a private home. The Education Building was built in 1957.
Burial Ground
The Burial Ground is where many heroes of the Revolutionary War are buried. One unknown soldier is honored here with a special tomb. More than 300 people are buried in this graveyard. These include John Carlyle, who helped found Alexandria. Also buried here is Dr. James Craik, a close friend and doctor to George Washington.
Presbyterian Cemetery
The Meeting House also takes care of the Presbyterian Cemetery. This cemetery is about a mile west of the church. It opened in 1809. Many important people are buried there. These include 17 heroes from the American Revolution. There are also men who died in the War of 1812. You can also find 62 Confederate veterans and some Union soldiers from the Civil War. Over the years, many merchants, ship captains, and even several mayors of Alexandria have been buried in this cemetery.
The Congregation Today
Today, the Old Presbyterian Meeting House is a lively church. It is led by Reverend Dr. Robert R. Laha, Jr., and two other pastors. A group of 26 elders helps guide the church. More than 1,000 members belong to this church. They are very involved in their community and the world.
Welcoming Community
The church welcomes everyone for worship, service, learning, and friendship. It supports many programs for people of all ages. These programs help young children, teenagers, working adults, and older adults.
Music and Outreach
Music is very important in worship at the Meeting House. Services feature the pipe organs and a choir with both professional and volunteer singers. Sometimes, special services include brass instruments or children's choirs. The church also hosts "Concerts With A Cause." These concerts feature local artists. Money collected at these concerts helps local charities. During the Advent season, there are short "Noonday Noels" concerts with music and scripture readings.
The Meeting House has active programs to help people locally and around the world. They support groups that help with tutoring, health care, and housing. They also help families pay their bills. The church works with groups in West Virginia, Mexico, Pakistan, Haiti, and Kenya. They also work on social justice issues like affordable housing. In 2011, the church started a program to help families visit loved ones in distant prisons using video calls.
Buildings Today
The Flounder House now has classrooms, meeting spaces, and church records. The Elliot House holds the church offices. The Education Building has classrooms and a large meeting room. It also houses the Meeting House pre-school.
While the burial ground next to the church is no longer used for new burials, the Presbyterian Cemetery is still active. It has been used for over 200 years. In 2008, the Cemetery opened a columbarium. This is a place for cremated remains.
See also
Images for kids
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Elliot House, next to the Meeting House, holds the Church Offices.
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A view of the church from the east, showing the bell tower.
