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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Religious sites

Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes

A historic Victorian Gothic Episcopal church located at 'The Summit' of Massachusetts Avenue, known for its stunning stained glass and legacy of community service.

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Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes
www.asa-dc.org, og_image_www.asa-dc.org

What is the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes known for?

It is a historic Episcopal church in Washington, D.C., noted for its Victorian Gothic architecture and stained glass windows.

What are the worship hours for the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes?

Sunday worship includes a Quiet Mass at 8:00 AM and a Festal Mass at 10:30 AM. Wednesday worship consists of a Holy Hour at 5:00 PM and a Quiet Mass at 6:00 PM.

Is there free parking available at the church?

Yes, there are free Sunday parking options, including unrestricted parking on Massachusetts Avenue from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM and four marked spaces at City Dental DC from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (which require a parking permit from the Parish Office).

What is the history of the Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes?

The parish's origins date back to May 7, 1844. The current structure was designed by architect James Renwick, Jr. and built in 1874, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes is an Episcopal parish located at 1215 Massachusetts Avenue NW in Washington, D.C. The parish's origins date back to May 7, 1844, when a group of former attendees of St. John's Episcopal Church, Lafayette Square, met to establish their own congregation. This early community sought a permanent home, leading William Corcoran to donate the site at the northwest corner of Massachusetts Avenue and 12th Street NW, a location then known as 'The Summit' because it was one of the highest points in the downtown area. The current structure, designed by the noted church architect James Renwick, Jr. in 1874, is a prime example of Victorian Gothic architecture. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, and is particularly noted for its beautiful stained glass windows. Inside, the church has historically maintained a vibrant congregation, once boasting over 500 communicants and a choir of 75 to 100 choristers on most Sundays. In the late 1940s, the Church of the Ascension merged with the nearby St. Agnes Episcopal Church, adopting the combined name it uses today. Today, the church continues to serve as an active parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, functioning as both a place of worship and an active community center hosting various events and programs for the local neighborhood.

Visitor tips

  • If visiting on a Sunday, free parking is available on Massachusetts Avenue from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
  • Attend the Festal Mass at 10:30 AM on Sundays for a full experience of the choir and organ.
  • Check the parish website for parking permits if you need to use the marked spaces at City Dental DC.
  • Visit during a weekday to avoid the crowds and appreciate the Victorian Gothic details.

Nearby context

Situated at the northwest corner of 12th and Massachusetts Avenues NW, the church occupies a historic high point in the downtown area, providing a subtle but noticeable shift in elevation as you walk through the city's longest thoroughfare.

Guided options

Tours that include this stop

Gyde's walks are free and self-guided. If you want a live guide or skip-the-line entry, these cover Church of the Ascension and Saint Agnes:

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Sources

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