After two years, the bells at St. John's Lafayette Square will chime again

WASHINGTON — St. John's Lafayette Square will unveil its rehabilitated bell tower on Sunday after a two-year preservation project. The historic church, known as the "Church of the Presidents" sits across from the White House. 

The restoration project included rebuilding and regilding its iconic metal dome by hand. St. John's is one of two of the oldest buildings in the neighborhood, the White House is the second one. They are the only buildings from that era that remain in their original use. 

The project was nearly $2 million and included replacing the roof of the church. Until now, the church has had its original roof which was added over 200 years ago, shortly before the bell tower was originally installed. The tower was built in 1822 as part of an expansion of the original church built four years prior. 

The original bell weighed 964 pounds and cost $400, a large portion of the money was raised by members of the church, with a contribution of $100 in public funds. That bell served not for church purposes, but also doubled as a fire alarm for the residents and businesses of the town.

Now the $2 million bell is now a historic part of D.C.'s cityscape. 

A ceremony will be held on Sun., Oct. 20 at 12:30 p.m. with music, prayer, special guests, followed by a catered reception. Funding for this new bell was provided by donors from the congregation and community members and a grant from the National Fund or Sacred Places.