John Carnaan Harkness

• American

A native Washingtonian, John Carnaan Harkness began his career as a carpenter and builder, but developed into an architect. In addition to Epiphany, Harkness was the builder and/or architect for Luther Place Memorial Church on Thomas Circle, the Washington City Orphan Asylum and the original Children's Hospital at 13th and V Streets, NW. When the extensions of the US Capitol were built, Harkness served as the "sworn government measurer of marble work." A civic minded man, Harkness served on the DC city council and waged an unsuccessful campaign for mayor in 1846. Harkness was known as a devoted Christian. He was a Methodist and initially a member of Foundry Church, which at the time was located at the end of the block from Epiphany. In 1844-45, McKendree Methodist Church was founded, mostly as an outgrowth of a Sunday School Harkness started in his carpentry shop. - Church of the Epiphany, Washington, DC