The church building was designed by architect William Thornton in the Federal style and was structurally completed in 1804, to be consecrated in 1809.

[4] Numerous prominent men made financial contributions for the erection of the church, including Thomas Corcoran, Benjamin Stoddert, Francis Scott Key (who later wrote "The Star Spangled Banner, America's national anthem),[5] and future president of the United States Thomas Jefferson.

The Swell division is installed behind the Great, and the main pedal to project directly through the choir into the chancel.

The 16' wooden Contrabass and 16' pedal Subbass stops are installed at the other end of the "L" and speak through the acoustically transparent walls of the corridor.

The existing Chamade Trumpet located in the gallery has been retained from the previously installed organ but completely revisited in Casavant's workshop.