What did George Washington believe in?
There is continuing debate amongst scholars of American history as to the extent of George Washington’s religious beliefs. He was baptised in the Church of England and served on the vestry (lay council) for his local church. During his life he spoke often about the value of right action and of seeking and offering thanks for the “blessings of heaven”. His adopted daughter, Nelly Custis Lewis, said in a letter that he would often accompany his wife to church services but would leave before communion with the other non-communicants. Eventually he stopped attending services at all. In private letters and correspondence, George Washington often expressed deistic views that were contrary to popular christian thought of the day.
