St. John's Church

Protestant Episcopal - Completed in 1816

16th and H Street NW

Often called "The Church of the Presidents"

A special pew (#54) is specifically reserved for the President of the United States, and the church itself has served every single president of the USA since James Madison for at least one service. The church's first service was held in 1816.

The Historic Architecture of St John's

The church was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, a prominent American architect who also contributed to the design of the U.S. Capitol. St. John's is considered an example of the early American "neoclassical" style.

The location of St. John's Church directly across Lafayette Park from the White House and in close proximity to much of the main business and political areas of Washington DC has kept it not just a significant historical landmark but also the place where protests and marches frequently go, and in the evening hours, particularly during winter, has been a haven for the homeless.

The church has been damaged by fire during riots and the site of photo ops for various famous political figures, but maintains an otherwise quiet presence near the green area of Lafayette Park.