Key points
- Church going tradition started with Franklin D Roosevelt in 1933
- Donald Trump to visit the church on Monday as part of the tradition
- St John’s church has set aside special pew No 54 for president
ISLAMABAD: The tradition of the American president visiting church before inauguration began with President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 — 92 years ago.
St. John’s Episcopal Church on Lafayette Square has held many of them.
According to Matt Loffmans’ research book, in May 2020 during George Floyd protests, a fire was lit in the church nursery in Ashburton House, the parish house of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Trump visited the next day and held up a bible, sparking controversy after clearing protesters.
According to CNN, “Despite its status as an Episcopal parish, presidents of multiple religious denominations have worshipped at St. John’s. The church has even set aside a special pew – No. 54 – for the President and his guests.”
Trump to attend service
Trump is going there on Monday to attend a service led by the church’s current rector.
In 2017, Trump went to St. Johns, but controversial Rev. Robert Jeffress, a Southern Baptist, led the service.
Biden attended mass before inauguration at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, as only the second Catholic president. It is “named for the patron saint of civil servants.”
Obamas attended Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church on M St before both the 2009 and 2013 inaugurations (where Gwen’s funeral was held).
George W. Bush went to St. John’s Episcopal Church before the 2001 and 2005 inaugurations.
Clintons also went to Metropolitan A.M.E. Church near the White House in 1997 and 1993.
In 1981, Reagan attended services at St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Carter went to First Baptist Church on Sixteenth and O Streets Northwest. Vice President-Elect Walter Mondale and his family accompanied Carter as well.
