Famous Old Virginia Church

At Alexandria, Va., stands an ancient churcli In nearly its original condition. Chrlst church, whose architect bore the name of Wren- not, however, Sir Christopher- it was completed in. 1773, says Harper's Weekly. In November, 1776, the vestry, of whoni George Washington was one, levied an asseasment of 31,185 pounds of tobáceo to build two churches, Christ church being one. The specifleations called for shingles of juniper, mortar to be two-thirds lime and one-third sand, the pedimento to be in "Tuscan " and' altar, pulpit and canopy in the "Ionic order." Washington was the purchaser of pew No. 5 for f36 lOs. The old records show that seats were assigned according to rank or for special reasons. One Susannah Edwards officiated as sexton, to the entire satisfaction of the congregation. The old edifice had neither chimneys nor flreplace until 1812, foot stoves furnishing the only warmth. The most conspicuous families in the early history of Virginia were worshipers at Christ church- the Adamses, Herberts, Custises, Blackburns, Carlyles, Muirs, Broadwaters, Alexanders and others equally prominent. Gen. Robert E. Lee attended Sunday school and was baptized and conflrmed in this church, and a tablet to nis memory adoras the eastern wal] puring the occupancy of Alexandria by the federal troops the rector and many of the parish fled within the confedérate lines; the church was held by the military authorities. A large mound in the churchyard marks the resting place of thirty-four confedérate soldiers who died in federal hospitals in Alexandria.