Christ Church was the first Episcopal Church in Alexandria and has played an important role in the life of the city since its completion by John Carlyle in 1773. The church was designed by James Wren in the colonial Georgian style. George Washington and Robert E. Lee were regular worshippers. Other prominent persons have worshipped here, including many U.S. presidents.

One of the most notable visits was that of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Sir Winston Churchill, who attended services here on the World Day of Prayer for Peace, January 1, 1942.

Today, Christ Church is an active parish of over 2400 communicants who seek to balance the rich traditions of our historic church with a clear vision for the future of our Christian faith. Our outreach and missions programs extend from helping the homeless and underprivileged of Alexandria to assisting abandoned girls in Honduras, the Chernobyl children of Belarus, children in the Holy Land and the persecuted church in the Sudan.

We offer a strong Christian Education program for children, youth, and adults and a variety of other opportunities for personal spiritual enrichment, support, and ministry to our community, the nation and the world.

Christ Church Docents

Men and women from the parish serve as docents and welcome visitors to Christ Church throughout the year. The docents point out the church's most interesting architectural features and history. They may provide a brief lecture followed by a walk through the interior of the Church. Many visitors come on a walking tour in twos or threes. Many others come in tour buses. All are welcomed at the Church door by a docent who is a trained historian, tour guide, and host. Visitors to Christ Church learn about our history from the days of George Washington's attendance through our ministries in the present day.

The docents' work is a ministry--making God's love known through hospitality to visitors and showing God's work in the history of our church. They devote many hours in preparation and in hosting visitors, and each docent sees this work as an outgrowth of his or her spiritual life.

Christ Church Gift Shop

Hours:
Closed Monday
Tuesday thru Saturday - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday - 8:45 AM to 1:00 PM

The Gift Shop is staffed by a friendly group of volunteers and all profits are used in support of the outreach programs in the Alexandria Community and the world.

Click here for directions to Christ Church