From 1785 to 1790, New York City serves as the first capital of the United States. Ramon de Elorriaga’s famous painting of Washington’s Inaugural Ceremony ominously depicts St. Paul’s Chapel centered behind the newly elected President Washington. With a little imagination, one can easily picture the two future World Trade Center towers dwarfing the small church.

Note St. Paul's Chapel depicted in this 1899 painting

After his inauguration in 1789, President Washington, along with the entire U.S. Government, assemble within this chapel, bend the knee, and consecrate America to the Creator, making this their first official act as a unified body. Unknowingly, Elorriaga’s painting is perhaps the first that ties this inaugural event to the coming 9/11 judgment.

222 years later, not a single pane of glass breaks on this same chapel as the two 1,360-foot towers collapse next to the historic structure. A sycamore tree, rooted in front of the building, gives its life and is credited for saving the historic chapel.

Soon, a cedar tree will replace the dead sycamore tree. With the planting of this tree, America, albeit unknowingly, initiates an ancient template.