New Year’s Eve 1941 was a dark moment in world history. The Nazi war machine had swept across western Europe. Britain was in a fight for its survival. In the Pacific, America suffered the worst attack in its history when on December 7, 1941, Imperial Japan launched a surprise attack on Naval Base Pearl Harbor. The U.S. naval fleet was nearly wiped out in the Pacific except for the providential occasion of two aircraft carriers (USS Lexington and USS Saratoga) being at sea and, thus, spared from destruction.
America was at war. There was no turning back. As the year 1942 dawned, it was a moment to rally the United States into action. A nation had to be mobilized. The courage and conviction of its people was needed to turn the tide and restore peace.
It was during this low point, that one of the greatest British statesmen in history arrived in the United States. British Prime Minister Winston Churchill began a treacherous journey across the Atlantic Ocean shortly after the attack at Pearl Harbor. He was in Washington D.C. on December 22, 1941. For the next several weeks, he was a guest of the Roosevelts at the White House.
Prime Minister Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill was a man whose reputation greatly preceded him. He was known to have a strong wit matched by an equally strong love of the British people and their collective defense. His affinity for cigars and champagne was well known. Yet, contrary to popular belief, he was not a drunk. He possessed a great deal of self-control and composure with his alcohol consumption. Often overlooked is Churchill’s giant intellect epitomized by his prolific writings including volumes of history on the Second World War and A History of the English-Speaking Peoples.
Churchill’s visit to the United States was all business. His strength and determination resonated with the American people. For years, Churchill had been the voice in the wilderness. He foresaw the dangers of Hitler and the rise of the Nazi party in Germany. But, his warnings fell largely on deaf ears.
Churchill’s country had finally learned that he had been right about Hitler's intentions. When Germany invaded western Poland on September 1, 1939, Churchill was vindicated. In response, Churchill was put into a position to lead his nation through the trials and tribulations of war.
Less than a week after the U.S. was attacked at Pearl Harbor, Winston Churchill set sail for America on a new 45,000-ton battleship HMS Duke of York. According to Churchill biographer, Andrew Roberts, the trip was "an uncomfortable journey and a dangerous one." Churchill arrived in Washington D.C. on December 22, 1941. Roberts writes, "After three years of the London blackout, Churchill found it strange to see Christmas decorations illuminating the streets." [1]
On Christmas Eve, Churchill joined in the speeches and caroling that accompanied the illumination of the massive Christmas tree on the White House Lawn. On December 26, 1941, Churchill was rallying America. Roberts notes that Churchill spoke before a joint meeting of congress which was the third time in American history that this occurred. In his remarks, Churchill brought his charm and good humor when he quipped about his mother being an American. Congress witnessed the steely defiance that Churchill had used to implore his own people about the dangers of Nazi aggression. His address to the U.S. Congress cemented Churchill’s legacy as a world leader. [2]
A National Day of Prayer
New Year’s Day 1942 was established as a National Day of Prayer in the United States. Days of prayer, fasting, and humiliation are an important part of America’s history. George Washington observed a day of prayer, fasting, and humiliation at Bruton Parish in Williamsburg, Virginia on June 1, 1774. This was a fraught period in which the American colonies felt that Great Britain’s forceful closure of Boston harbor was a moment of national crisis. Twenty-four years later, George Washington was in Alexandria, Virginia and observed a day of prayer, fasting, and humiliation at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House. This was during the Presidency of John Adams and at the start of the Quasi-War with France.
Days of Prayer have been invoked by American presidents when the nation is on the brink of war. They are a fundamental part of America’s religious character and speak to the strong and abiding faith that has unquestionably provided the foundation of America’s political and social order.
Winston Churchill participated in the National Day of Prayer on January 1, 1942. But he did not attend a church in Washington D.C. Instead, he traveled with the Roosevelt’s to Alexandria, Virginia. They went to a service at Christ Church Episcopal, which is still an active church to this day. Christ Church was formerly part of the Church of England prior to America’s war for independence. Many of its 18th and 19th century parishioners were veterans who fought the British to secure America’s independence. Many of them fought against the British again during the War of 1812. The most prominent parishioner was America’s Commander-in-chief during the Revolutionary War, His Excellency George Washington.
George Washington purchased a box pew in what is today known as Christ Church. In Washington’s time, it was part of the Fairfax Parish and what Washington called it the "church in Alexandria." Washington’s pew was purchased for 36 pounds and 10 shillings. The price is approximately $8,700 in 2025. It was one of ten pews sold to raise funds to pay John Carlyle, who had been contracted to complete the church’s construction.
Washington’s box pew remains in Christ Church to this day. It is an unwritten rule that the box remains open for visitors attending one of the three services on Sunday’s. Throughout the week when the church is open for tours, visitors can see the pew and sit in it.
During the National Day of Prayer on January 1, 1942, Winston Churchill sat in George Washington’s box pew. Churchill sat in the same pew that George Washington sat in prior to the Revolutionary War. Washington prayed in the box pew before leading his country to war, ironically, against Great Britain. For Churchill to sit reverentially in the pew of George Washington was an incredible moment of unity.
Churchill knew the significance of sitting in the pew of one of the greatest men in world history. He knew the character and leadership of George Washington. He knew the power and symbolism of praying where George Washington prayed. Two incredible leaders at the forefront of noble causes, yet both humbled themselves before God.
Furthermore, observing the National Day of Prayer at Christ Church was meant to channel the spirit and determination of George Washington and the generation of 1776. George Washington crossed the Delaware River on the night of December 25-26, 1776, he made one of the most daring gambles of the Revolutionary War to attack a Hessian garrison in Trenton, New Jersey. Many of his friends and neighbors from Alexandria were with him on that evening. When visiting places in Alexandria like Christ Church, one can feel the spirit of these American patriots. For example, one of these veterans was Rev. David Griffith, who was a surgeon and chaplain in the 3rd Virginia Regiment. Rev. Griffith served under Washington's command from 1776 until 1779. After his service, he became the third rector of Christ Church and worked to start the Episcopal Church in America.
New Year's Day 1942: The Service and Afterward
During the service at Christ Church on New Year’s Day 1942, Christ Church rector, Reverend Edward Randolph Wells, read Washington's Prayer for the United States. He also preached a sermon in which he said that "the spirit of Christ alone stands in the way of successful Nazi world domination." According to Jon Meacham's book, Franklin and Winston, the service also included lighthearted moments. For example, Eleanor Roosevelt apparently anticipated that her husband, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, did not carry cash on him. She slipped him a few dollars so he wouldn’t be empty handed when the collection plate was passed. [3]
There were also inspiring moments punctuated by the playing of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. This hymn was among Churchill’s favorites. This service may have been the first time he had heard it. Either way, he was visibly moved by its playing. He loved the hymn so much that he requested it be played at his own funeral. And when Churchill was laid to rest in January 1965, the hymn was played for him in England. [4]
After the service at Christ Church, Churchill and President Roosevelt traveled from Alexandria to Mount Vernon. Churchill visited the Washington family vault. He paused at the Tomb of George Washington and paid his respects by laying a wreath made of chrysanthemums and irises outside of the tomb. [5]
Later in the day, Churchill, Roosevelt and ambassadors from Russia, and China signed the Joint Declaration of the United Nations. The declaration was also signed by 22 other countries. It expanded the Atlantic Charter. While not a formal "alliance", it was a pledge of mutual support among many different nations that were joined to fight the Axis powers. Many of these nation's were far apart ideologically. Indeed, Meacham explains that in the joint declaration, President Roosevelt wanted to add a reference in defense of religious freedom. The Soviets led by Ambassador Maxim Litinov balked at this addendum and preferred "freedom of conscience." [6] [7]
Conclusion
Much of Churchill’s political life concerned the preservation of the British Empire. Thus, there was something remarkable in his reverence for George Washington who fought to break away from the British Empire and form a separate country. It was an acknowledgement that the American people were a distinct people even though many of them, like Washington, could trace their origins back to England.
The Second World War was another fight for nations to be independent with sovereign territory and protected borders. It was a fight against powers with imperial ambitions. Sadly, the peace that came with the end of the Second World War did not fully eradicate the global ambitions of another destructive ideology i.e. communism. Churchill was extremely prescient to understand that the alliance with Stalin and Soviet Russia was a bargain with the devil. Nevertheless, it is the talent of great statesmen to play the hand they are dealt. Churchill was a realist and recognized the maxim of realpolitik that the "enemy of my enemy is my friend." In fact, Washington, as a statesmen, had no issues allying with an absolute monarchy (i.e. France) to fight against the British monarchy to establish a new republic.
Churchill’s observance of a National Day of Prayer in George Washington’s box pew was a significant moment in world history. The symbolism of it cannot be overstated. The complexity and uncertainty of the geopolitical landscape remains as fraught in the 21st century as it was in the 20th. Thus, American presidents and world leaders should come to Christ Church in Alexandria, Virginia, and emulate one great world leader, Winston Churchill, who followed the example of another great leader before him.
Visit Christ Church Episcopal
Today, visitors can visit Christ Church and see the exact location where Winston Churchill sat in George Washington's box pew. Alexandria History Tours includes visits to Christ Church on most of our tours. When practical and if hours permit, we will take guests inside of it. It is hard to count the number of visitors that have felt chills and have become emotionally moved by the experience. There are few places in the world that have so much history in one location. It is a pleasure to take guests to Christ Church. To do so, please book a tour or reach out and set up a time for private tour. With private tours, we can ensure access to the church (barring unforeseen circumstances). We look forward to showing you this amazing piece of history!
Roosevelt | Churchill Prayer Service January 26
On January 26, 2025, Christ Church will hold a special event to commemorate the January 1942 visit of Prime Minister Winston Churchill and President Franklin Roosevelt to Christ Church. These two leaders observed a National Day of Prayer for peace and victory that President Roosevelt had declared. Christ Church plans to remember their historic visit by incorporating appropriate prayers and hymns into the 10:00 am Episcopal service of Holy Eucharist. The guest preacher at the service will be the Very Rev. Ian Markham, Dean of the Virginia Theological Seminary. The British Embassy will be represented by Admiral Timothy Woods, Defense Attaché. There will be a reception following the service. The Sunday Forum at 9:00 a.m. will include an introduction to the history and spiritual significance of the event.
Works Cited:
[1] Roberts, Andrew. Churchill: Walking with Destiny. Viking, 2018.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Meacham, Jon. Franklin and Winston: An Intimate Portrait of an Epic Friendship. Random House, 2003.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Roberts, Andrew. Churchill: Walking with Destiny. Viking, 2018.
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