Washington Memorial Chapel

Washington Memorial Chapel in Valley Forge National Historical Park is a national memorial dedicated to General George Washington and an active Episcopal parish in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. The church was inspired by a sermon preached by Anglican minister the Reverend Dr. W. Herbert Burk, founder and first rector of the parish. The building was designed by architect Milton B. Medary. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 1, 2017, and is undergoing an active restoration campaign.

The church reported 175 members in 2015 and 281 members in 2023; no membership statistics were reported in 2024 parochial reports. Plate and pledge income reported for the congregation in 2024 was $960,961. Average Sunday attendance (ASA) in 2024 was 142 persons. It is located in Upper Merion Township.

Reverend Burk was rector of an Episcopal church in nearby Norristown. The money for the chapel was raised in small increments, and its stone walls were built a "few feet at a time." Burk was active in trying to preserve Valley Forge and in the establishment of the Valley Forge Museum of American History, predecessor to the Valley Forge Historical Society.

A previous attempt to build a memorial church at Valley Forge had been launched in 1885 by Baptist minister James M. Guthrie, who raised funds and began building before running out of funds.

June 19, 1903 marked the 125th anniversary of the evacuation of the Continental Army from Valley Forge, and the cornerstone was laid on property donated by the I. Heston Todd family. A small wood-framed building nearby preceded the present structure. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the site and gave an address in 1904, and the original wooden building was named the Theodore Roosevelt Chapel. It was demolished after completion of the present chapel.

The Chapel's exterior was completed in 1917 and its interior in 1921. It serves as a wayside chapel to those who visit Valley Forge National Historical Park, and is open to the public.

Noted ironsmith Samuel Yellin produced the wrought iron gates, hardware, and locks. He was one of many artisans to produce sculptures, stonework, stained glass, and metal work. The interior woodwork was supplied by cabinetmaker Edward Maene (1852–1931).

The Chapel can appear to visitors to be a part of the park, given its central location. However, the Chapel and surrounding property belong to the Episcopal Church. There is a model of the Washington Monument across from the Chapel which marks the grave of Lieutenant John Waterman. The Bell Tower houses the DAR Patriot Rolls, listing those that served in the Revolutionary War.