History book authors Deborah Watson and Ramona Speicher (seated) and Sandy Smoot (right) with display designer Lori Wiseman and St. John’s Episcopal Church’s new rector The Rev. Joshua Walters at the display featuring the church at Dolley Madison Library. Photo contributed
Throughout the month of February, a display at Dolley Madison Library in McLean is featuring St. John’s Episcopal Church. The display illustrates the church’s history and close relationship with the community of McLean and presents a newly published book recounting the church’s first 150 years.
The book, “This Far by Faith, A History of St. John’s Episcopal Church, McLean, Virginia 1866–2016,” was co-authored by parishioners Deborah Watson, Sandy Smoot, and Ramona Speicher. Together with parishioner and designer Lori Wiseman, they created the library display of facts and photos. A diorama depicting early parishioners worshipping together in a private home is enchanting young library goers.
Inspired by the church's 2016 “Jubilee150” celebrations, the book contains almost 300 illustrations and photographs, many of which have not been seen before. It tells the story of the church’s earliest days as a Sunday school in a log cabin, and the physical relocation of its 1870’s building, rolled on logs to be closer to the trolley tracks that would bring rapid growth to the hamlet of McLean. Many names and locations cited in the book will be familiar to current McLean residents, but the historical details and anecdotes bring fresh insights. The book is available for purchase through the church office (703-356-4902).