Mount Vernon Place Church

The north east corner of the Washington's monument is framed by a black and green stones of the Mount Vernon United Methodist Church. Originally conceived as a cathedral of Methodism it was built on the site of the Charles Howard mansion. It was in this house that Howard's father in law, Francis Scott Key, died. The church architects, Thomas Dixon and Charles Carson, created a rarity in Baltimore architecture by designing a Gothic building, one of only three in the city. The high peaked roof soars above the nave resting on ten granite columns. The pews are handcarved American walnut and now seat 900 people. The unique exterior of the building is due in part to its walls of green serpentine, grey stone, and sandstone. Its steeple soars above the surrounding buildings but ends just 12 inches below George Washington's head. It was planned to be taller, but a compromise with the city lowered it below the height of the new memorial. It was finished November 12, 1872. The church is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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United Methodist Church handout and tour