Old Town in Alexandria, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Welcome to Christ Church
A historic church and living congregation
Christ Church embodies God's unbounded love by embracing, liberating, and empowering peoplewhoever you are and wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith.
An Episcopal church designed by James Wren in the colonial Georgian style and completed by John Carlyle in 1773, Christ Church has welcomed people of many faiths, among them most U.S. Presidents, members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, civic leaders, and tourists. Across the years, luminaries such as Winston Churchill, Rosa Parks, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have also worshipped here, the home church of George Washington and Robert E. Lee.
Originally built in a wooded location, Christ Church, now in the heart of the bustling City of Alexandria, offers outreach and mission programsglobal and localto bring social justice to all those God wants us to serve.
We invite you to join us to deepen your faith through worship, prayer, Christian education programs, or service in the community. We also invite you to tour Christ Church or simply experience quiet moments in its churchyard.
For more information on all that we have to offer, please visit
this page online
Erected by Christ Church.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Colonial Era • Government & Politics • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the National Historic Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1773.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 48.375′ N, 77° 2.867′ W. Marker was in Alexandria, Virginia. It was in Old Town. It was at the intersection of North Columbus Street and Cameron Street on North Columbus Street. The sign is near the North Columbus Street entrance to the church yard. There is a similar sign on the North Washington Street side as well. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 118 North Washington Street, Alexandria VA 22314, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: In Memory of the Honorary Pall-Bearers of General George Washington (a few steps from this marker); Philip Marsteller (a few steps from this marker); Site of Alexandria's First Sugar Refinery (a few steps from this marker); Confederate Soldiers (within shouting distance of this marker); Lodge No. 38, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Original Site of Immanuel Lutheran Church (about 300 feet away); Site of First Synagogue of Beth El Hebrew Congregation (about 300 feet away); Methodist Protestant Church Site (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Alexandria.
Also see . . .
1. Christ Church, Alexandria. Produced by the
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 26, 2019
3. Christ Church on the North Washington Street side
2. Virginia's National Historic Landmark: Christ Church, Alexandria. "Surrounded by its quaint old churchyard, Christ Church is a premier historic landmark in the heart of Alexandria and the Alexandria Historic District. It was built in 1767-73 from plans by James Wren, one of colonial Virginias few identified architects. Begun by James Parsons, undertaker, and completed by Col. John Carlyle, the Georgian building employs a rectangular format with two tiers of windows. Its Aquia Creek sandstone Palladian window and rusticated doorways are based on designs published by Batty Langley. Inside is the original wine-glass pulpit and altarpiece built against the Palladian window. The gallery was installed in 1785; the steeple was added in 1799." (Submitted on June 27, 2021.)
June 23, 2021
5. This building is dedicated marker.
"This building is Dedicated to The Service and Glory of God and in the loving memory of all the faithful departed members of Christ Church and of those whose names are recorded in the Book of Remembrance kept in this building and those whose mortal remains have been interred in this churchyard.
Remember these Thy servant, O Lord according to the favor which Thou bearest unto Thy people and grant that increasing in knowledge and love of Thee they may go from strength to strength in life of perfect service in They Heavenly Kingdom: through Jesus Christ our Lord who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen."
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 16, 2024
6. The marker has been replaced with this signage
Welcome to Christ Church
Christ Church embodies God's unbounded love by embracing, liberating, and empowering people, whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith.
For more than 250 years, this extraordinary Episcopal parish has been a spiritual home, offering guidance and a source of hope to all who come through its gates. Built originally as a parish church to meet the spiritual needs of its parishioners and the community, Christ Church continues to honor its heritage. Today, with more than 1,200 parishioners, Christ Church steadfastly proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A duplicate of this sign is also found at the eastern entrance to the grounds from Washington Street.
Christ Church embodies God's unbounded love by embracing, liberating, and empowering people, whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith.
For more than 250 years, this extraordinary Episcopal parish has been a spiritual home, offering guidance and a source of hope to all who come through its gates. Built originally as a parish church to meet the spiritual needs of its parishioners and the community, Christ Church continues to honor its heritage. Today, with more than 1,200 parishioners, Christ Church steadfastly proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A duplicate of this sign is also found at the eastern entrance to the grounds from Washington Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 701 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 5. submitted on June 27, 2021. 6. submitted on March 17, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
