Backyard History

Did You Know Churchill Visited Alexandria?

He even sat in George Washington's pew. Christ Church is commemorating the visit on Jan. 26

Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt leave Christ Church after a service on New Year’s Day 1942. The little girl, Katrina, is the daughter of Rev. E.R. Welles, who is standing behind her. (Photo courtesy Christ Church)

ALEXANDRIA, VA-Christ Church (118 N. Washington St.), is well known as George Washington’s place of worship. He called itthe church of Alexandria.”  As part of the Fairfax Parish, it opened in 1773. Two other giants of history visited on Jan. 1, 1942. The first, President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The second, Winston Churchill, England’s prime minister during WWII.

How Churchill Came to Alexandria

Alexandria History Tours recalls that days after the Pearl Harbor attack, Churchill boarded the battleship HMS Duke of York for his visit to America.  The prime minister reached his destination on Dec. 22. His biographer Andrew Roberts wrote that the trip was anuncomfortableone, fraught with danger.

On Christmas Eve, the website says,Churchill joined in the speeches and caroling that accompanied the illumination of the massive Christmas tree on the White House Lawn. On December 26, 1941, Churchill was rallying America.During the trip, he also spoke before a joint session of Congress.

On New Year’s Day, Churchill was invited by the Roosevelts to attend the service at Christ Church. The world leaders attended a service honoring the National Day of Prayer for peace and victory, declared by Roosevelt. Alexandria History Tours says that presidents have traditionally called for when the country ison the brink of war.”

Additionally,[t]hey are a fundamental part of America’s religious character and speak to the strong and abiding faith that has unquestionably provided the foundation of America’s political and social order.”

According to a report published by the New York Times that day,The leaders of the two great English-speaking powers sat together in the white pew in Christ Church, which Washington, who was a founder of the church in 1773, had occupied.And he did this purposefully, viewing the act as a sign of respect for both Washington, a humble man himself, and God.

Commemorating the Historic Visit

On Sunday, Jan. 26, the church will commemorate their visit at the 10 a.m. service with additional events before and after worship. The Very Rev. Ian Markham, Dean of the Virginia Theological Seminary, will be the guest preacher. Admiral Timothy Woods, Defense Attaché, will represent the British Embassy.

At 9 a.m., the Sunday Forum begins with an introduction to the visit’s history and spiritual significance of the visit. Following the service, the church will host a reception.

SEE ALSO: Del Ray Artisans Kicks Off the New Year Laughing Out Loud

Kevin Dauray

Kevin is Publisher's Assistant and Senior Editor with The Zebra Press. He has been working for Alexandria's "Good News" newspaper since 2019. A graduate of George Mason University, he earned a bachelor's in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. He also studied at the Columbia School of Broadcasting and holds a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount University. He is an alumnus of T.C. Williams High School. Go Titans!

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