Foggy Bottom in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Saint Mary's Episcopal Church

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, September 4, 2011

1. Saint Mary's Episcopal Church Marker

Inscription. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was the first Black Episcopal church built in the City of Washington.

Saint Mary’s represents a landmark in the history of the Black American struggle for equal rights and human dignity, as its original name implied, “St. Mary’s Chapel for Colored People” was a place where Black people could worship without being subjected to discriminatory rules.
The opening service of St. Barnabas Mission (as it was provisionally called) was held on June 9, 1873.

This late Victorian-style structure was designed by James Renwick. The opening service in this building was held on January 20, 1887. With minor exceptions, the buildings have not been altered since the opening service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Churches & Religion. A significant historical date for this entry is January 20, 1887.

Location. 38° 53.944′ N, 77° 3.018′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Foggy Bottom. Marker is on 23rd Street Northwest south of H Street Northwest, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 728 23rd St NW, Washington DC 20037, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (here, next to this marker); Site of 2310 H Street, Northwest

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Philip S. Amsterdam Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Carol Brown Goldberg (within shouting distance of this marker); The American Meridian (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John A. Wilson, D.P.S. '92 (about 300 feet away); Helios the Titan, 2006 (about 400 feet away); Liberty Baptist Church (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church - marker panels on 23rd Street, NW image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Richard E. Miller, September 4, 2011

2. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church - marker panels on 23rd Street, NW

Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2021, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2011, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.