President Woodrow Wilson’s personally-used chair from Central Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, bearing an engraved plaque on the top rail, “This chair was reserved for and occupied by President Woodrow Wilson while a worshipper in this church, 1913–1914.” The theater-style pew itself measures approximately 21 x 33 x 20, and is attached to a heavy mahogany display stand measuring 30 x 41 x 24, with a velour barrier rope across the front. A second plaque is attached to the armrest, reading, “President C.D.B. King of Liberia also occupied this chair, 1921.” In very good condition, with general age-related wear (dings, scratches, worn upholstery, and so forth) expected in a well-used item of this type.
Accompanied by a short, privately printed book entitled Woodrow Wilson in Church by his pastor James H. Taylor, signed and inscribed by Taylor inside the front cover. In the book, Taylor recalls that Wilson attended services at the church on the first Sunday of his administration, and soon after sent a letter stating that his family would like to become regular attendees. Wilson also asked if pews were assigned to members of the congregation and inquired about pew rents; Wilson’s letter is depicted within the book. Though not customary, Rev. Taylor was happy to oblige and offered the Wilsons assigned seating ‘so that you may feel perfectly at home in our church.’ The Central Presbyterian Church had a growing congregation and expansion plans were already under way; a new, bigger church building was to be built, and President Wilson was given the honor of laying the cornerstone on December 19, 1913. The new church opened on May 31, 1914, and President Wilson was presumably given a new pew. This one seems to have been set off for display, and perhaps reserved for visiting dignitaries as in the case of Liberian President Charles D. B. King. A unique piece of historically significant personal presidential memorabilia. Oversized. Please contact RR Auction for a shipping quote.
