Religious Affiliations of our Presidents

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 20, 1916

Religious Affiliations of our Presidents

The United Presbyterian of May 18, 1916, gives us the following statement regarding the religious affiliations of the presidents of the United States:—

“George Washington was an Episcopalian. It is, however, stated that he was no more than an adherent and sympathizer.

“John Adams was a Unitarian.

“Thomas Jefferson was probably an infidel. He is called a ‘freethinker,’ while some class him as an atheist; but this his family denied after his death.

“Madison and Monroe were both members of the Episcopal Church.

“John Quincy Adams was a Unitarian, member of the same church with his father.

“General Jackson toward the close of his life attended the Presbyterian church, and after Mrs. Jackson’s death became a member.

“Martin Van Buren was not a member of any church, but regularly attended the Dutch Reformed church near his home, in Kinderhook, N. Y.

“William Henry Harrison was a communicant in the Episcopal Church.

“Tyler was an Episcopalian, and is said personally to have been a very devout man.

“Polk was not a church member, but generally attended the Presbyterian church, of which Mrs. Polk was a member. In his last illness he was, however, baptized by a Methodist minister and received into the Methodist Church.

“Taylor regularly attended the services of the Episcopal Church, and may have been a member.

“Millard Fillmore was a Unitarian, born and reared in a family of that church.

“Pierce was a Congregationalist, but his religion is described as more of the head than of the heart.

“Buchanan was an exemplary member of the Presbyterian Church.

“Lincoln was not a church member, but is represented as a man of deep religious convictions. He usually attended services in the Presbyterian church.

“Andrew Johnson generally attended the Methodist church, but was not a member.

“General Grant was not a member of any church, but generally attended services in the Methodist church, of which he is said to have become a member shortly before his death.

“Hayes was for many years a member of the Methodist Church.

“Garfield held his membership with the Disciples of Christ, and early in his life frequently officiated in their pulpits.

“Arthur was prominently connected with one of the leading Episcopal churches of New York City.

“Cleveland was a regular attendant, and in his later years a member, of the Presbyterian Church.

“Harrison was a Presbyterian, and an elder for many years.

“McKinley was a devout Methodist.

“Roosevelt is a member of the Dutch Reformed Church, but is liberal in sentiment.

“Taft is a Unitarian, but has manifested no exclusive spirit.

“Wilson is a Presbyterian.”