A time of year in Washington unlike any other, Easter Sunday is upon us. With the cherry blossoms past full bloom and the sound of birds chirping, the stage is set. With its rich history, D.C. has an abundance of churches, thus making the decision of which church to attend for Easter Sunday Mass or service a difficult one. For downtown, the first is Easter mass at St. Matthews Cathedral, which was founded in 1840, and resembles a Renaissance and Romanesque design.
How about a very special Washington tradition? At 6:30 a.m., Easter morning, more than 6,000 people gather annually at the Lincoln Memorial to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The event is coordinated by Capital Church of Vienna, Va., whose host and Pastor Amos Dodge writes: “As the sun rises over the Capitol dome, the mall rings with sounds of joyful celebration as we proclaim together that Christ is risen!”?The pastor has this additional advice: “Dress comfortably. We suggest a coat or blanket for the often brisk morning. Directed parking provided. Service happens rain or shine.”
For Georgetown, one stand-out is Holy Trinity Catholic Church on 36th Street. Founded in 1794, Holy Trinity is the oldest Catholic parish in Washington and is frequented by many notables, such as Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. It was John F. Kennedy’s church, when he lived in Georgetown.
St. John’s Episcopal Church on O Street is also a classic for Easter. Among its historical churchgoers are Thomas Jefferson and Francis Scott Key, who also attended another Episcopal church: Christ Church, also on O Street on Georgetown’s east side.
Georgetown Lutheran Church at Wisconsin Avenue and Volta Place is celebrating its 245th anniversary. Between services, there will be an Easter egg hunt at 9:15 a.m. At Rose Park on Dumbarton Street sits the First Baptist Church of Georgetown. Its congregation celebrated 150 years last year. Farther west on the street near Wisconsin Avenue is Dumbarton United Methodist Church, the oldest Methodist church in D.C. Besides its 11 a.m. Sunday service, the church will have an open house on April 26, the same day as the Georgetown House Tour.
For some, Easter isn’t complete without a brunch get-together. D.C. offers a wide choice. For some at the Georgetowner, the list includes – but is an exclusive to – 1789 Restaurant, Billy Martin’ Tavern, Brasserie Beck, Fiola Mare, Teddy & the Bully Bar, Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place and Malmaison. Call right now, if you want to go.
For those staying at home, Dean & Deluca and Whole Foods offer several Easter meals to go. Order online, if you wish.
The day after Easter Sunday, Washington also hosts one of the quintessential Easter events in our country, hosted at the most recognizable house in our country, the White House. The 136th White House Easter Egg Roll will occur Monday, April 21. The event will feature live music, sports courts, storytelling and, most importantly, Easter Egg Rolling on the south lawn of the White House. It is one of the hardest tickets in town to get.
Hosted by the first family, the event’s theme this year “Hop into Healthy, Swing into Shape” reflects first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative, which promotes healthy eating in hopes of solving the epidemic of childhood obesity. As the inspiration for most of the events NBC Washington reported on Monday, April 14, that there will be an “Eggtivity Zone Obstacle Course,” yoga garden, basketball and tennis on the presidential courts and Hop to It! — an instructional dance party. This year’s special guests include Jim Carrey, Ariana Grande, Miss America 2014 Nina Davuluri and the Cookie Monster, according to the first lady’s Let’s Move blog. It is a wonderful, all-American way to take part in Easter joy.
