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

New York Avenue Presbyterian Church at Herald Square

Civil War to Civil Rights

— Downtown Heritage Trail —

 
 
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church at Herald Square Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2022
1. New York Avenue Presbyterian Church at Herald Square Marker
Inscription.
"The churches are needed as never before for divine services.

So said President Lincoln from his pew in New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. While other churches were occupied by the federal government and used as offices and hospitals during the Civil War, Lincoln insisted that this church remain open for worship. The pastor, Dr. Phineas D. Gurley, was the president's spiritual guide through the war and during the fatal illness of Lincoln's young son, Willie, who on his deathbed left his small savings of $5 to the church.

President Lincoln regularly traveled the short distance from the White House to attend this church. Seeking solace in its midweek Bible classes, he sequestered himself in an adjacent room with the door ajar lest he disturb the others with his presence.

The church was founded by Presbyterian carpenters working on the grounds of the White House in 1793. Lincoln's hitching post remains outside; his pew still stands in this somewhat enlarged, 1950s replica of the original church.

A document in Lincoln's handwriting, proposing that the federal government end slavery by paying owners to free their slaves, is displayed in the church's Lincoln parlor. This plan was carried out, but only in Washington, D.C.

The church dominates an area
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now called Herald Square, named for the Washington Times-Herald newspaper, which once occupied the white building at 1307 New York Avenue. Here publisher Eleanor Medill "Cissy" Patterson created the nation's first round-the-clock newspaper and became one of the country's most powerful women. Socialite, businesswoman, and political activist, Patterson was a dominant force in the city until her death in 1948.
 
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC. (Marker Number W.4.)
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RRChurches & ReligionCommunicationsGovernment & PoliticsIndustry & CommerceWomen. In addition, it is included in the Downtown Heritage Trail, and the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1793.
 
Location. 38° 53.997′ N, 77° 1.85′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of New York Avenue Northwest and H Street Northwest, on the right when traveling west on New York Avenue Northwest. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1311 New York Ave NW, Washington DC 20005, United States of America. Touch for directions.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 80th Anniversary of Presbyterian Women in Cuba (a few steps from this marker);
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church at Herald Square Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2022
2. New York Avenue Presbyterian Church at Herald Square Marker
The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (a few steps from this marker); Historic New York Avenue Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Foundry Methodist Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dorothea Dix 1802 - 1887 (about 600 feet away); The Church of the Epiphany (about 600 feet away); Jane Addams 1860 - 1935 (about 600 feet away); Written with Water (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
 
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
 
New York Avenue Presbyterian Church at Herald Square Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 2, 2022
3. New York Avenue Presbyterian Church at Herald Square Marker
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 57 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on December 2, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.

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Mar. 29, 2024