I am lucky enough to live across from one of my favorite buildings in the city -the National City Christian Church. Designed by prominent architect John Russell Pope in Neoclassical style, the central block which contains the sanctuary was completed in 1930.

night view from my roof deck

Because of the great depression, construction of the side wings which house a shelter and sunday school rooms was not complete till the 1950s. The church has led an important roll in the city through the years. In 1973 the state funeral of Lyndon Johnson was held here. Also, for years the church has had an impact on the musical life of the city both through daily concerts at noon and a weekly radio broadcast of its famous organ.

At night it’s an impressive site, all of that white stone lit up, standing proudly on Thomas Circle. I’m always proud to see tourists snapping pictures! The shelter is entered from the side through a quiet, gated courtyard.

Beside the gate is this unusual baptistery. It has a ring of a neoclassical shell which matches the church around a brick core with stained glass. I wonder what the story behind that is!Even from a distance it is hard not to notice! In fact, it’s one of the things that drew me to this neighborhood in the first place.

This past thursday I attended the DC launch party of Barry Dixon’s rug collection at Timothy Paul. I had been in the bedding and home store of Timothy Paul up the street but had never been into the carpet showroom so I was excited to see it! I had always admired their throw pillows they had in the window, I was happy to see them up close -so beautiful!!

We got there really early, straight from work, and got to take some pictures before the party started and talked to Barry Dixon a bit about his inspiration behind most of the collection. All of the different designs are very personal to Barry, picked up from his travels. Ideas came from pieces of tooled leather picked up in bazaars and the pattern of leaves on a forest floor.

The colors are all beautiful, muted tones without being bland. Many of the rugs are available in different color-ways as well.

His beautiful book was also on display: I was at the book launch party for that and blogged about it HERE.

While Dixon’s were the primary focus, a few others not by the designer were also featured. I loved this deep rich reddish-orange rug.

If you’re ever in DC, visit Timothy Paul -the rug showroom is only a block away from the bedding and home store. Visit them online HERE.