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A historic sanctuary in the heart of DC | Our Favorite Things

St. Mary's Episcopal Church combines Allison Seymour's love history, culture and family.

WASHINGTON — This week we're celebrating some of our favorite things. For mine, I combined my love of history and culture with my love of family. That led me to my beautiful church, St. Mary's Episcopal Church. 

It's a designated landmark in D.C. that's tucked away in the Foggy Bottom area Northwest, an area we now associated with government buildings, Watergate and George Washington University.

The church dates back to the 19th century. St. Mary's plays a big part in the history of Foggy Bottom. It was the first Black congregation of the Episcopal Church in D.C. and its roots date back to the end of the Civil War. 

The church we see today used to be attached to the old Kalorama Hospital, but it was taken apart, loaded onto wagons, and rebuilt at its current location on 23rd Street.

The Gothic revival architecture and carved oak furniture is warm and inviting, especially during the holidays. The stained glass windows are breathtaking, and include one crafted in memory of Abraham Lincoln.

The church tells the story of a D.C. long ago and one of my favorite things is knowing that my family is forever woven into the proud history in this peaceful sanctuary in the heart of D.C.

We want to hear from you. What are some of your favorite things in the DMV? Let us know on our Get Up DC social pages.

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