South of Washington D.C., across the Potomac River, lies the city of Alexandria. It is an ancient city that existed independently even before the 13 colonies declared independence, coexisting with Georgetown and still preserving its historical charm to this day.
The roads in Alexandria are narrower than those in Washington D.C., and the buildings are relatively small, evoking a sense of nostalgia for Japanese visitors.
In this historic city of Alexandria stands Christ Church, a place where President George Washington attended services when he served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.
A Church steeped in tradition and formality
Christ Church in Alexandria is a parish of the Episcopal Church, the denomination that places the highest importance on tradition and formality and has produced the most number of U.S. Presidents.
Its exterior is made of traditional brick, blending well with the surrounding architecture. However, the church grounds stand out as they are notably vast, housing extensive gardens and a cemetery within the same premises.
The grounds are enclosed by brick and iron fences, and the entrance is a small arched gate.
The interior features a Colonial style with a dominant white color
The building’s interior follows the popular Colonial style of the colonial era, characterized by the frequent use of straight lines in its design.
The pews for the congregation are not individual benches but box-shaped seating arrangements. Attendees access their seats by opening doors along the aisles.
The altar is a simple design with the communion table at the center and the pulpit on the left side, while the lectern, which is the ornate pulpit, is elaborately crafted and located at a height equivalent to the second floor, offering a view of the entire church, including the second-floor seating and the pipe organ.
The Washington family’s pew is located along the left wall after entering through the entrance.
A large box pew in the corner of the church allows for viewing from the congregation
A notable feature of the church is a large box pew located in one corner of the church. It is very unusual for a church as it not only faces the altar but also has seating that wraps around, allowing occupants to face the congregation.
This box pew was indeed used by the Washington family, and its design enabled the congregation to catch a glimpse of General George Washington during worship.
Near the box pew, a memorial plaque commemorating him can be found.
Convenient to visit the church through guided tours
Christ Church in Alexandria, which preserves the colonial era ambiance, is quite distant from Washington D.C. Therefore, it is recommended to visit it through guided tours.
Though the tours are conducted in English, they often include a stop at Mount Vernon, the beloved estate of President Washington, providing a genuine experience of American history.
If you ever visit Washington D.C., consider joining one of these tours to explore this historic site.
