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 people—whoever 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 programs—global and local—to 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 our website at www.HistoricChristChurch.org.
Erected by Christ Church.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these
this page online
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 This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.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. Marker 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.
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
Also see . . .
1. Christ Church, Alexandria. Produced by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association "Located in Alexandria, Virginia, Christ Church opened its doors in 1773 to serve the Church of England's Fairfax Parish. George Washington helped fund the construction of the church, and his personal bible was presented to the parishioners of Christ Church in 1804, by George Washington Parke Custis." (Submitted on June 27, 2021.)
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 Virginia’s few identified architects. Begun by James Parsons, “undertaker,” and completed
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), January 26, 2019
3. Christ Church on the North Washington Street side
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
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.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 26, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 299 times since then and 17 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.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the identical marker that used to stand on the other entrance of the church grounds (on North Washington Street). This other sign likely qualifies for its own profile. • Can you help?
