Religion

Many have speculated about George Washington's religious views and practices since his lifetime. Historian Mary Thompson explores the religious life of Washington. 

In letter after letter, President Washington wrote to religious communities that the government would not prevent them from practicing their religion.

The enslaved men and women at Mount Vernon practiced a variety of religious traditions, influenced by both African and European traditions.

Martha Washington and her children and grandchildren shared many of the same religious practices as George Washington. 

Washington was generally private about his religious life. While his church attendance varied throughout his life, Washington was a devoted member of the Anglican Church. In 1762, he became a vestryman at Pohick Church and served as a churchwarden for three terms.

Washington's statements regarding Catholicism and freedom of religion set precedents for the new nation.

There is evidence that some of the enslaved at Mount Vernon practiced Islam.

In taking the oath of office, Washington used the Bible of the St. John's Masonic Lodge No. 1 of New York.

Washington’s papers contain hundreds of biblical quotations, figures of speech, idioms, proverbs, and allusions.

First built in 1773, George Washington purchased a pew at this Fairfax Parish church in Alexandria and was a lifelong member of the congregation.

George Mason, William Fairfax, and George Washington were all prominent parishioners of Pohick Church.