David’s Tent has been offering a 24/7 site for prayer and song on the National Mall for more than four years. And its still going—though closed to the general public—even in the middle of a pandemic. 

“The vigil is open, but that could change at any moment,” David’s Tent Assistant Director Ryan Montgomery tells DCist. He says they are following every guideline given by the National Park Service, including ensuring fewer than ten people are in the tent at all times and prohibiting personal contact. “Our first amendment is being permitted to continue.”   

David’s Tent (named after King David, who had a large prayer tent near his palace) was started by evangelist Jason Hershey in 2012 as a temporary outdoor space for prayer that first took up residency on the White House Ellipse. By September 11, 2015, they had secured a four-month permit for the National Mall that they could renew indefinitely. That’s where they’ve been ever since. 

Montgomery knows that circumstances and guidelines are changing every day. If a “shelter-in-place” order is issued in the District, then the 1,600 square foot tent near the corner of Madison Drive NW and 7th Street SW would have to be abandoned and probably disassembled temporarily.

The National Park Service has given sites the authority to close, and officials have taken steps to mitigate crowds at the Tidal Basin, but visitors can still access outdoor spaces, including the National Mall.

“I would not anticipate an empty tent sitting on the Mall,” says Montgomery, “In my heart, we are not a public health risk or a risk to each other. But we will follow every guideline given.” 

If that does happen, it wouldn’t be the first time. In 2012, while still on the White House Eclipse, it came down during Hurricane Sandy and during the 2016’s Snowzilla. It’s not something they’d like to do, of course, says Montgomery, but just because David’s Tent isn’t on up on the National Mall doesn’t mean their mission stops. “We believe prayer is important, powerful, and effective. Regardless in our homes or in the tent, we will be praying.”