The Falls Church
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| The interior of the Falls Church. Image from Wikipedia Commons. |
The Falls Church Chapter NSDAR has supported the historic recognition of The Falls Church in many ways over the years. The City of Falls Church and the Falls Church Chapter NSDAR are both named after The Falls Church, at 115 E. Fairfax St., Falls Church, Virginia.
Originally a wooden structure built in 1733 at the cost of 33,500 pounds of tobacco, the church began as the Truro Parish of the Church of England. The name "The Falls Church" came from its location on the road to the ferry below the Little Falls of the Potomac River.
In 1762, the wood building was judged to be greatly in decay, and the church vestry ordered a new brick building to be constructed on the same site. Vestrymen George Washington and George William Fairfax were given the responsibility to contract for a new building.
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| On July 11, 1926, the chapter dedicated a pew in honor of George Washington. Image from chapter collection. |
Architect and Vestryman James Wren designed and built the existing church from 1767 to 1769 adjacent to the site of the original wooden structure. The two-story, hip-roof, Georgian-style church was constructed from local bricks laid in Flemish bond design.
During the American Revolutionary War, the building was a recruiting station for the Fairfax militia. Tradition holds that the Declaration of Independence was read to local citizens from the steps of the south doors.
After the war and the dissolution of the Church of England, The Falls Church was abandoned for nearly 50 years until 1836, when an Episcopal congregation took over the church. Both Francis Scott Key and Henry Fairfax were lay readers of this congregation. In 1838, Henry Fairfax restored the decaying building using his own funds.
During the Civil War, Union troops used The Falls Church as a hospital and later as a stable, causing damage still visible at the south door and some windows.
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| Photo by Matthew Brady, circa 1860-1865. Image from Wikipedia Commons. |
Included in the National Register of Historic Places, The Falls Church is still in use today as an Episcopal church with services held every Sunday.
On October 6, 1911, the chapter placed a marble tablet on the entrance to the church honoring George Washington. In 2005, the chapter replaced the original tablet with a new granite one made to withstand the ravages of climate for centuries. Reverend John Yates and Chapter Regent Ann Gandy conducted a re-dedication ceremony on October 2, 2005.
On October 6, 1911, the chapter placed a marble tablet on the entrance to the church honoring George Washington. In 2005, the chapter replaced the original tablet with a new granite one made to withstand the ravages of climate for centuries. Reverend John Yates and Chapter Regent Ann Gandy conducted a re-dedication ceremony on October 2, 2005.
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| Image from chapter collection. |