Did You Know? The U.S. Capitol Was Washington DC’s Largest Church

Most Americans would be shocked to learn that for over six decades, the United States Capitol functioned as the nation’s most prominent house of worship, hosting Sunday services attended by presidents, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and thousands of citizens. This practice began before Congress even occupied the building and continued long after the Civil War.   Early Beginnings (1795–1800)   Even while still under construction, the Capitol hosted worship services. As early as 1795, a Boston newspaper reported: “Public worship is now regularly administered at the Capitol, every Sunday morning, at...