 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (October 2015) |
| The National Presbyterian Church | |
|---|---|
 Exterior view of the church from Nebraska Avenue (2012) | |
  The National Presbyterian Church  The National Presbyterian Church | |
| 38°56′30″N 77°04′51″W / 38.9417°N 77.0809°W | |
| Location | 4101 Nebraska Ave NW Washington, D.C. |
| Country | United States |
| Denomination | Presbyterian Church (USA) |
| Previous denomination | United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America Presbyterian Church in the United States of America |
| Membership | 1,800 |
| Website | www |
| History | |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | September 15, 1812 |
| Dedicated | September 7, 1969 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | National church |
| Architect(s) | Harold E. Wagoner |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Modernist |
| Administration | |
| Synod | Mid-Atlantic |
| Presbytery | National Capital |
| Clergy | |
| Pastor(s) | The Rev. Dr. Ray Hylton |
The National Presbyterian Church is a Christian congregation of approximately 1,500 members of all ages from the greater metropolitan Washington, D.C. area. The mission statement of the church is "Leading People to Become Faithful Followers of Jesus Christ Together in God's World"[1]
The congregation meets at 4101 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. Designated as the national church of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the building complex occupies a 12-acre campus comprising six separate structures. It includes a mid century modern style main church which is the third largest religious center in the nation's capital. President Dwight D. Eisenhower laid the cornerstone on October 14, 1967.[2][3] The campus was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2022.[4]
The site also includes the National Presbyterian School, which provides pre-school-to-Grade 6 education. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Association of Independent Maryland and DC Schools and is open to all children.
The National Presbyterian Church dates its origins to 1795, when a group of Scottish stonemasons working on the construction of the White House met for worship.[5] Since then, the congregation has been housed in several buildings across the city. Numerous presidents as well as other national and international leaders have attended the church. In 1866, the pastor invited Frederick Douglass, noted black abolitionist, to speak from the church's pulpit when no other church in Washington other than New York Avenue Presbyterian Church would do so. The church has hosted the British royal family, Mother Teresa and many other notable leaders.[6][7]
- ^ "Strategic Plan 2014" (PDF). National Presbyterian Church. 22 September 2014. Retrieved 2015-10-28.
- ^ Nannes, Caspar. “National Presbyterian Takes Step Into New Era Saturday." The Evening Star, B1, Washington, 12 October 1967.
- ^ Clopton, Willard Jr. “Ike Loses Battle with Birthday Cake: Unveils Cornerstone for Church.” Washington Post, D1, 15 October 1967.
- ^ "Weekly listing". National Park Service.
- ^ Jones, Olga. Churches of the Presidents", pages 22-33, Exposition Press, New York, 1954.
- ^ Folliard, Edward T. “Elizabeth, Philip Bid Washington Farewell", Washington Times-Herald, A1, 21 October 1957.
- ^ Dole, Kenneth. “News of the Churches: Royal Couple to Attend Two Church Services", Washington Times-Herald 19 October 1957.