Can walk in sanctuary and actually sit in pew where Washington, other presidents and leaders sat. Washington actually 'purchased' this pew. While sitting in pew had nice talk from a church rep who discussed the history. A few blocks fom Gatsby Tavern.

One of the most noticeable historical landmarks in Old Town Alexandria is Christ Church, an Episcopal church founded about three and a half years before the founding of our country. Until 1818, it was known as the Fairfax Church. Designed by James Wren, first cousin of British architect Sir Christopher Wren, it is constructed in colonial Georgian-style architecture. The brick exterior includes a bell tower. The church is located on land that was once inhabited by the Algonquian peoples. It was once called the “Church in the Woods” because it was built far from the main part of the city. Construction of the church began in 1767, and its first worship service was in February 1773. Originally the church’s geographic area included Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, and Mt. Vernon. In 1764, it branched off from the Pohick and Falls Church. The church was spared from vandalism during the Civil War because it was where war chaplains and generals worshipped here and thus was never converted for war purposes. A pleasant and knowledgeable docent gave me a quick overview of the church’s history and eagerly answered my questions. When you walk in, the sanctuary is a sea of white pews, each with a door and a number. The docent said the interior has not changed much since it was built in 1767. Galleries were added in 1787, and the wine glass shaped pulpit was added during the 1890s. There is no record of the pulpit used during the first half of the 19th century when it was removed in 1867 during a renovation of the church in 1867. Above the pulpit is a canopy used as a sounding board to help project the preacher’s voice to the congregation. The original Wren tablets on either side of the pulpit were adorned with The Ten Commandments, The Apostles Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, and The Golden Rule. Today, it has a congregation of 2,400. Donated by Cap and Marilyn Bromley, the organ was built by Harrison & Harrison in Durham England. It arrived at Christ Church in 2021 and replaced the 40-year-old instrument that was in the church.The docent noted in the past people could purchase pews to fund the church. George Washington owned one. Washington was not a permanent resident of Alexandria but would attend services at Christ Church when he was in the area. It took him two hours to and from Mount Vernon, to travel on horseback, 10 miles one way. Washington’s last attendance at Christ Church was less than a month before his birthday o December 14th.Many famous individuals besides George Washington, Masons and Lees attended services here. Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Winston Churchill visited the church on January 1, 1942 to commemorate World Day of Prayer for Peace. Plaques are used to designate where they sat.Recommend a visit to Christ Church when your travels bring you to Alexandria, Virginia.

A very traditional colonial church that has been beautifully maintained. See George Washington's family pew, and also Robert E. Lee's family pew. Original Wren tablets and wineglass pulpit. Lovely guide who explained the church's history. Very worthwhile visit.

After living in Old Town for five years, I was finally out when this was open. Free tour of a unique and superbly maintained ancient (by US standards) church with an incredible history of serving presidents and founding fathers. The inside is a bit plain on first view but plenty of historical details and such to keep you looking. Great gift shop too.

My wife and I were with our daughter and three grandsons during a trip to DC this past summer. After touring Mount Vernon we went to see Christ Church after lunch in Alexandria’s Old Town. The docent explained much of the history of the church to us. We sat in George Washington’s family pew box. They have maintained the church building in very good condition. It was also very interesting to stroll through the cemetery and view the old headstones.