St. John's Episcopal Church, Georgetown Parish, founded in 1794 has had a long and varied history. The original church building was started in 1796 and completed in 1804.

Many people helped with the cost of building the church, including President Thomas Jefferson who contributed $50.

Dolley Madison was also a regular attendee as well as Francis Scott Key, the author of our National Anthem.

During the 1820s, the church fell on hard times and finally stopped holding services in 1831.

The church building became known as the "the Swallow Barn" and was rented as a sculptor's studio for $50 a year.

After being sold for taxes, the building was repurchased in 1837 and resumed a new, vigorous life.
The building was expanded, and the congregation established the first free school in the district, as well as a mission for seamen located on the Georgetown waterfront.

 St. John's has continued to grow and now has many programs for parishioners and the larger Washington community.

The St. John's Episcopal Preschool, based on the Reggio Emilio philosophy, accepts children 2 1/2 to 5 years old.

The outreach programs of the church have included So Others Might Eat, the Georgetown Ministry, Community Harvest and Bright Beginnings, as well as other programs for seniors, children and international missions.