Established in 1793, this church has played an integral part in the lives of many political leaders. Several presidents and cabinet members regularly worshipped here including John Quincy Adams and Dwight Eisenhower. Abraham Lincoln came with his family throughout his presidency. The Lincoln Parlor displays the original hand-written draft of an 'Emancipation Document' from Lincoln to Congress suggesting a bill designed to free the slaves. New York Avenue Presbyterian Church played an active role in the Civil Rights movement; its members joined the March on Selma and worked with local organizations. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was often a guest preacher.
As the nation's capital grew in the mid-19th century, there was an increasing need for more places of worship. St Paul's was first established in 1866 near Washington Circle and remained there until the end of World War II. The parish is noted for being the first Anglican Church in the United States to hold a midnight mass in 1870. It is also the the home of the first vested choir in Washington and the site of the first choral service in the city.
For more than 170 years, Fourth Presbyterian Church has committed itself to ministering to the people of the Washington area. Through educational programs and regular worship services, the church reaches families, singles and the elderly in the community. Seminary-level classes are offered at the Reformed Theological Seminary, located at Fourth Church. Counseling services are available and a large media center and bookstore are open to the public.
The Air Force Memorial is a tribute and honor to the air force personnel of United States of America. It is was built in 2006 and is open to public visitation throughout the year, free of charge. The memorial also has a shop which houses items sold exclusively at the memorial. There are many concerts and events that take place at this memorial throughout the year. For more details, please see the website.
One of Washington's newest memorials, the Korean War Veterans Memorial pays tribute to the many who fought in the Korean War. Located near the Lincoln Memorial, this monument features statues of 19 soldiers carefully making their way through unknown terrain. Photographic images on a 164-foot granite wall pays tribute to the thousands of others who contributed to the war; nurses, mechanics, crew chiefs and support personnel. Inscribed on the wall are the words: "Freedom Is Not Free."