King George’s Parish (originally called Piscataway Parish) was established in 1692 as one of the thirty original Church of England parishes in Maryland. The first St. John’s church was built in 1695 on a tract known as Little Hall. The parish came to be known as the “mother church” of many others established in the Washington area. The current brick church building, which replaced earlier frame structure, date from 1766.
The building is a fine example of Georgian architecture. Because of its architectural similarities to Harmony Hall, it was long believed that the two structures were both built around the same time.
St. John’s Church at Broad Creek has always served as a community focal point. George Washington worshipped at the church on occasion. Walter Dulany Addison, rector of the church at the beginning of the nineteenth century, opposed the institution of slavery and even freed some of his slaves from bondage. Many of the men and women who lived at Harmony Hall and Want Water worshipped at the church. They, and other prominent historical actors in the region, are buried in St. John’s Church cemetery.
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