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After 130 years, Arlington neighborhood bids farewell to Episcopal church

It was a place where the community could go to worship, have fellowship and serve. But after more than 130 years, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia, is set to close at the end of August.

The historic congregation at 415 S. Lexington Street will hold its final regular Sunday worship service at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 30.

According to the September issue of the Glencarlyn Civic Association’s “Village View” newsletter, “St. John’s has always been a welcoming congregation with attendees from various religious backgrounds joining in prayer since the beginning. For over 130 years, St. John’s and the Glencarlyn neighborhood have had a productive and supportive relationship, which is now coming to an end.” 

Founded in 1890, after Glencarlyn residents petitioned the Virginia Seminary in Alexandria, the Carlin Hall, where services were held, was completed in 1892. The current church was completed in 1957, with an addition added on in the 1960s.

Neighbors in the area said they heard rumors of the church closing, but were hoping it was not true.

More information can be found on the church’s website.

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