First DC Catholic Church North of Georgetown Turns 150
Named in Part after Female Foundress during aftermath of American Civil War
“I, the Mayor of Washington, DC, do hereby proclaim October 20, 2019 as ‘Saint Ann Catholic Church Day’ in Washington, DC.”
–Mayor Muriel Bowser
“We are grateful for the many years your congregation has served its people and neighbors…I commend your efforts to instill the sacred values our country holds dear.”
–President Donald Trump
"Thank you for shining a light in ministry across 150 years and for making a real difference in the life of our Nation for good and for God."
–Vice President Michael Pence
Archbishop of Washington Hosts Celebration Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A Washington, D.C. church, founded in part by a woman amidst the aftermath of the American Civil War, is turning 150.
St. Ann Catholic Church is the oldest parish in D.C. west of Rock Creek Park and north of Georgetown, and the eleventh oldest in Washington.
In 1869, she had 100 parishioners. Now St. Ann’s serves more than 800 families.
St. Ann boasts of an 1869 foundation, a renovated 1999 Létourneau organ played by Notre Dame Cathedral’s stars, and a 2018 exact replica – one of only 100 in the world – of Michelangelo’s Pietà.
Erected just years after the Civil War, this building is the third on the site. The namesake of our parish in part is Anne Green, who lived through the war. Newspapers from the 1950s call her “foundress.”
Several local mission churches sprouted from St. Ann, including Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament (3630 Quesada St NW) and Annunciation (3810 Massachusetts Ave NW).
To celebrate, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory, Archbishop of Washington, is hosting the Solemn Mass to Commemorate the Parish 150th Anniversary.
Here are the Details:
What: Archdiocese of Washington Archbishop Gregory Hosts Solemn Mass to Commemorate the Parish 150th Anniversary
Where: St. Ann Catholic Church, 4001 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC
When: 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2019
In celebration of St. Ann Catholic Church’s 150th parish anniversary – the sesquicentennial – this year will be marked with many events. Learn more on our website: stanndc.org/150
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Media Contact:
Natalie Plumb, Director of Communications
202-363-4460 (o) 202-380-5702 (c) [email protected]