As the nations capital city, Washington D. C. is also the perfect
place to explore our country's ideology for religious freedom. As
in past Old World civilizations, cathedrals and shrines were located
in major cities and urban areas. The District is no exception, including
the diversity that is found in America's multi-cultured society. Click
here to see theological attractions in the surrounding Maryland
and Virginia areas.
Adas Israel
Synagogue - Founded in 1876, it is believed to be the oldest
synagogue in Washington D.C. and is home to the Lillian and Albert
Small Jewish Museum. / 701 3rd St. N.W. / 202-789-0900 / Donations
Accepted
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception - One of the largest Roman Catholic churches
in the United States, the Neo-Byzantine shrine was constructed in
a traditional style without steel framing. The first Crypt Church
was built in the 1920s, the later Great Upper Church was dedicated
in 1959. The shrine contains a large collection of contemporary mosaics
and memorial tablets on the walls. Also part of the complex is the
Knight’s Tower, a carillon that is played on Sunday afternoons.
/ Michigan Ave. at 4th St. N.E. / 202-562-8300 / Admission Free
Franciscan Monastery - The grounds
of this monastery contains replicas of Biblical shrines and holy sites
is a wooded garden setting. / 14th and Quincy St.s N.E. / 202-526-6800
/ Free
Islamic Center & Islamic Mosque
- The Muslim worship center is flanked by a 160 foot minaret and surrounded
by beautiful mosaic verses from the Holy Koran. Also contained in
the center is a library with works about Islam as well as changing
cultural exhibits.Tours are given that include talks about Islam.
/ 2551 Massachusetts AVE. N.W. / 202-332-8343 / Donations accepted
/ Female visitors must cover themselves except for their face, hands
and feet.
National City Christian
Church - The national cathedral of the Disciples of Christ,
it was designed by John Russell Pope in 1930. The structure houses
one of the largest pipe organs in D.C. and organ concerts are given
weekly. / 5 Thomas Cir. at Massachusetts and 14th Sts. N.W. / 202-232-0323
/ Admission Free
National Presbyterian Church and Center
- Housing the Chapel of the Presidents, this church is filled with
beautiful stained glass windows and serves as the National Church
for Presbyterians. Offering meeting facilities for all faiths, the
church is also the site for concerts throughout the year. / 4101 Nebraska
AVE. N.W. / 202-332-8343 / Admission Free
The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church - Founded in 1803,
the present structure was built in 1951 and contains 19 contemporary
stained glass windows. Former members included John Quincy Adams and
Abraham Lincoln, the church houses Lincoln's pew, hitching posts and
some original manuscripts. A 1954 sermon by Dr. George Docherty, preached
in this church with Dwight Eisenhower in attendance, prompted the
addition of "one nation under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance.
/ 131 New York Ave. N.W. / 202-393-3700
St. John's Church - Located opposite
of Lafayette Square, St. John’s Episcopal is known as the President’s
Church, because all presidents have attended one or more services
in the sanctuary. Some of the stained glass windows in the church
are dedicated to famous statesmen. / 16th and H Sts. N.W. / 202-347-8766
St. Matthew's Cathedral - Founded
in 1840 and built at its present site in 1893, the church has fine
craftsmanship throughout. The white marble inlaid altar was a gift
from India, Italian and French artisans created mosaics, marbles,
frescos and decorative windows. John F. Kennedy’s funeral was
held here. / 17235 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. / 202-347-3215
Washington National Cathedral - Built in the same way cathedrals
have been constructed over the centuries, Washington National was
begun in 1907 and completed 83 years later in 1990. Supposedly the
cathedral is is the sixth largest in the world, it’s central
tower is the highest point in Washington D.C. and houses a carillon
and 10 bell peal. The building houses stained glass rose windows and
stone carvings, including statues of George Washington and Abraham
Lincoln as well as hundreds of other elaborate stone creations. The
cathedral is also the resting place of such notables as Admiral George
Dewey, Helen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson. / Massachusetts
and Wisconsin Aves. N.W. / 202-537-6200 / Donations accepted
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