History & Architecture Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church is a prime example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Conceived of as a "Cathedral of Methodism," the building was designed by Thomas Dixon and Charles L. Carson and completed on November 12, 1872 in what was then the outskirts of the city. The church sits on the site of the mansion of Charles Howard, who was married to Elizabeth Phoebe Key. Her father, Francis Scott Key, the author of The Star Spangled Banner, died here in his daughter's home. A plaque observing his death adorns the southern outside church wall, marking the church as a highlighted location on the National Historic Register. The cost of this grand structure, including land, building, and furnishings was $400,000. The Exterior The building is made six of different types of stone. Its extraordinary color (especially when wet) comes from the use of the now rare green serpentine marble from the Falls Road area of Baltimore County, and buff and red sandstone trim. Because neither stone wears well, major repairs and replacements of individual pieces with more stable materials were necessary in 1932 and again in 1978. The Interior The central theme of the building is the glory of God's creation. Nature themes predominate the stained glass and carvings. The pews, made of American walnut, were hand-carved by one gentleman. The work took seven years to complete. Up behind the pulpit is a stained glass Connick cross, a sister to the rose window in the rear of the church that is modeled after the one in Notre Dame. The sanctuary seats 900 people.