Finding Faith in Washington DC
Washington DC is not only a place of government and history. It is also a city where one can enrich their faith and commune with God. Yes, the United States is a secular nation, where separation of church and state and freedom of belief and religion is highly valued and respected, but it is also a country founded and grounded in the guidance of the Almighty. From the first explorers who landed in the New World to the founding fathers of the nation, we can find people of faith. With that said, it is not difficult to find God in the nation's capital. The country's center of government and power is full of places and destinations that honor the Almighty in many ways. Thus, the federal city not only attracts tourists who wants to get to know the country's history, but also people who want to enrich their spirituality through the many faith-based tours in Washington DC.
“In God We Trust”
It has been the national motto of the United States since 1956. But before that, this nation has been established in a strong foundation of faith as evidenced in the numerous monuments, engravings, and works of art inspired by and mentioning God present in the nation’s capital.
The US Capitol Visitor Center prominently displays the words of the national motto in its main hall. At the Capitol Rotunda, paintings inspired by faith welcomes the visitors, like a large oil painting of Christopher Columbus landing on a beach in the West Indies. During the later years of his life, Columbus wrote a book called ‘The Book of Prophecies’ which contains many words from the Scriptures and promoted the spread of Christianity. Also in the Rotunda is a painting depicting the baptism of Pocahontas, a Native American who converted to Christianity to marry an English settler named John Rolfe. A painting of Pilgrims praying before setting sails to New England also hangs in one of the walls of the US Capitol.
The US Capitol Building itself used to be the biggest church in the United States. Back in the early days of Washington DC, Sunday services for its residents are done inside the Capitol. Several denominations, including Protestants, Catholics, and Jews, have conducted services and prayers inside its halls.
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The US Supreme Court is the highest court in the land. But aside from upholding law and justice, its building also recognize that the supreme law is the law of God. Found at the frieze above the east pediment, Moses holding the two tablet of the Commandments take center stage. Several artworks depicting the Ten Commandments are also found in several buildings in the city, including in bronze in the floor of the National Archives; in a bronze statue of Moses in the Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress; in numerous locations at the U. S. Supreme Court, including in the frieze above the Justices, the oak door at the rear of the Chamber, the gable apex, and in dozens of locations on the bronze latticework surrounding the Supreme Court Bar seating.
Many attractions in Washington DC also honor and celebrate the Holy Scriptures. The first book printed using the movable type, the Gutenberg Bible, is proudly displayed at the Library of Congress. The over 500-year old copy of the Great Book is currently on display on a temperature-controlled special case in one of the corridors of the Great Hall of the Thomas Jefferson Building of the Library of Congress. Another notable attraction that celebrates the Word is the one-of-a-kind Museum of the Bible. This privately funded institution commemorates Biblical history and how the Holy Scriptures impacted society. The museum houses a wide and comprehensive collection of artifacts from Biblical times including several fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls and items from the Holy Land.
Several churches, of different denominations, within the city are also worth visiting. St. John's Church in Lafayette Square in Sixteenth Street is a historic Episcopal Church right across the White House. Aptly called the President's Church almost every president from James Madison, has attended at least one service in the church during their terms. And from the time of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, except Richard Nixon, the church has been part of the inaugural rites of the new president.
The National Cathedral has always been the crossroads of secular and religious life in Washington DC. Officially called the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, it is governed by the protestant Episcopal Church. It was built in the neo-Gothic style, and is both the third largest church in the United States and the fourth tallest structure in Washington DC. The cathedral is not only famous for its religious significance but also for its national importance. Memorials of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln stands inside the church. State flags of all the 50 states decorate the ceiling. One of the stained glass windows in even dedicate to the Apollo 11 mission displaying a portion of a moon rock at its center.
For Catholics, the National Shrine of the Immaculate Concepcion Basilica is a must-visit. The basilica is the largest Christian church is the United States and one of the largest in the world. It is also the tallest livable structure in Washington DC. The church serves the nearby Catholic University of American and is the seat of the United States Catholic Bishops' Conference. Construction began in 1920 but was only completed in 2017.
Several other sites, buildings, and memorials in Washington DC mention and honor God in different ways. At the National Archives, the original copy of the Declaration of Independence is on display, with other documents of historical significance. The Declaration is one sole proof that the founding founders established a nation under the guidance of God. In the inscriptions in the walls of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, the words God, Almighty, Creator, and Divine Providence is mentioned several times. Many of Martin Luther King's sermons are also immortalized at the engraving wall of the the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.
And while you're in DC, you can also visit the numerous memorials dedicated to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we are enjoying today. At the Arlington National Cemetery, one can reflect on the lives and struggles the fallen soldiers that served the nation. Remember the sacrifices of the US troops who fought in the Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II in their respective memorials and monuments. Aside from love of country, it was the faith of our troops that fueled their valor and courage.
Visit and explore the nearby Mt. Vernon, the plantation home of George Washington. Learn about his life though the numerous artifacts on display. Reflect on how the first president of the United States and his belief in religious freedom became the foundation of the how the country is today.
Washington DC is not only the political and historical capital of the United States. It is also rich in Christian heritage. A tour of the numerous sites and attractions of Washington DC will not only enrich your mind, but also strengthen your faith. Come with your family, friends, or church. Create fond memories and explore the rich Christian heritage of Washington DC.
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