St John's Church
- Also Known As: St. John's Church (Episcopal)
- Address: 16th and H Sts, NW
- Neighborhood of Downtown DC in Washington, DC
Long known as the Church of the Presidents, St John's Episcopal Church has served virtually as the chapel to the White House for nearly two centuries. Every President since James Madison has worshiped here on some occasion. As far back as 1816, records show that a committee was formed to wait on the President of the United States and offer him a pew. James Madison chose pew 54 and insisted on paying the customary annual rental. The next five Presidents in succession - James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren and William Henry Harrison - occupied this pew during their terms of office. Since then, by tradition, pew 54 has been set aside for Presidents of the United States. There are other ways in which the church is further connected with Presidents. Many Presidents have been members of the church. James Madison's wife, Dolly, was baptized and confirmed here. Franklin D Roosevelt paid homage to tradition by spending a few minutes in prayer here on his two inauguration days. - NPS