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What are some good books about the Washington National Cathedral?
A Guide to the Washington Cathedral (National Cathedral Association, 1945). Peter W. Williams, Houses of God: Region, Religion, and Architecture in the United States (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1997). Cathedral Age (magazine). Wikimedia Commons has media related to Washington National Cathedral.
What is Washington National Cathedral?
We are the world's sixth-largest Cathedral, a national treasure showcasing beautiful architecture. Built over 83 years of construction, Washington National Cathedral is an architectural masterpiece designed to point eyes and hearts toward things above.
Why do we need a cathedral?
As a house of prayer for all people, the Cathedral’s walls are strong enough to contain the emotions of the country at times of great joy and great sorrow. Cathedrals are sometimes finished, but are rarely ever completed.
How many people visit the Washington Cathedral each year?
The cathedral is the seat of both the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Michael Bruce Curry, and the bishop of the Diocese of Washington, Mariann Edgar Budde. Over 270,000 people visit the structure annually.
How many people visit the Cathedral of Washington?
Over 270,000 people visit the structure annually. The Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, under the first seven Bishops of Washington, erected the cathedral under a charter passed by the United States Congress on January 6, 1893.
How much did Washington National Cathedral cost to repair?
In June 2015, Washington National Cathedral leaders said the church needed $200 million, which would both complete repairs and establish a foundation to give the cathedral financial stability.
What time is the Eucharist at Washington National Cathedral?
Christmas at Washington National Cathedral is a live television broadcast of the 9:00 a.m . Eucharist on Christmas Day. It is produced by WJLA-TV and is shown on national affiliates in most cities around the United States. Some affiliates broadcast the service at noon.
When was the Washington National Cathedral founded?
The Washington National Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, founded in 1909 , is one of very few cathedral choirs of men and boys in the United States with an affiliated school, in the English choir tradition.
Where is the Cathedral of Washington?
The cathedral is located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States . The structure is of Neo-Gothic design closely modeled on English Gothic style of the late fourteenth century. It is the second-largest church building in the United States, and the fourth-tallest structure in Washington, D.C.
When was the West Rose window dedicated?
The west rose window was dedicated in 1977 in the presence of both the 39th President, Jimmy Carter, and Queen Elizabeth II (as Supreme Governor of the Church of England) The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, commonly known as Washington National Cathedral, is an American cathedral ...
Who is the fourth bishop of Washington?
He gave a stained-glass window in the cathedral in honor of his mother, Rachel Davies (Rahel o Fôn) George Dewey, United States Navy admiral. Angus Dun (ashes), fourth bishop of Washington. Philip H. Frohman (ashes), cathedral architect, following the death of Bodley.
History
- Construction
In 1792, Pierre L'Enfant's "Plan of the Federal City" specified a site for a "great church for national purposes". However he defined it as non-sectarian and nondenominational. Hamilton modified that plan and eliminated the "church" and several other proposed monuments and that plan was … - National role
From its earliest days, the cathedral has been promoted as more than simply an Episcopal cathedral. Planners hoped it would play a role similar to Westminster Abbey. They wanted it to be a national shrine and a venue for great services. For much of the cathedral's history, this was ca…
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Major Events
- Major services
State funerals for four American presidentshave been held at the cathedral: 1. 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1969): lay in repose at the cathedral before lying in state 2. 40th President Ronald Reagan(2004) 3. 38th President Gerald Ford(2007) 4. 41st President George H. W. Bush(… - 2011 earthquake
The cathedral was damaged in August 2011 during the Virginia earthquake. Finial stones on several pinnacles broke off, and several pinnacles twisted out of alignment or collapsed entirely. Some gargoyles and other carvings were damaged, and a hole was punched through the metal-c…
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Financial Concerns
In January 2003, the Reverend Nathan D. Baxter, dean of the cathedral, announced his retirement effective from June 30, 2003. Baxter had led the cathedral since 1991. After an 18-month search, Samuel T. Lloyd III was named dean and began his tenure on April 23, 2005. Using a $15 million bequest the cathedral received in 2000, Lloyd rapidly expanded the cathedral's programming. M…
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Architecture
The cathedral's final design shows a mix of influences from the various Gothic architectural styles of the Middle Ages, identifiable in its pointed arches, flying buttresses, a variety of ceiling vaulting, stained-glass windows and carved decorations in stone, and by its three similar towers, two on the west front and one surmounting the crossing. The structure consists of a long, narrow recta…
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Leadership and Funding
The cathedral is both the episcopal seat of the Bishop of Washington (currently the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde) and the primatial seat of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church (currently the Most Reverend Michael Curry). Budde was elected by the Diocese of Washington in June 2011, to replace Bishop John Bryson Chane; upon her confirmation in Nove…
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Worship
The worship department is, like the cathedral itself, rooted in the doctrine and practice of the Episcopal Church, and based in the Book of Common Prayer. Three services are held each weekday, including the daily Eucharist. Sunday through Thursday, the cathedral choirs sing Evensong. The 40-minute service is attended by roughly 50 to 75 people, with more on Sunday. …
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Music
The Washington National Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys, founded in 1909, is one of very few cathedral choirs of men and boys in the United States with an affiliated school, in the English choir tradition. The eighteen to twenty-two boys singing treble are of ages 8 to 14 and attend St. Albans School, the Cathedral school for boys, on vocal scholarships. In 1997, the Cathedral Choir of Me…
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Burials
Several notable American citizens are buried in Washington National Cathedral and its columbarium: 1. Larz Anderson (ashes), diplomat, art collector. His wife Isabel Weld Perkinsis entombed with him in the cathedral's St. Mary Chapel. 2. Thomas John Claggett, first bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland 3. William Forman Creighton, fifth bishop of Washington 4. J…
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Schools
There are three private Episcopalschools on the grounds of Washington National Cathedral. 1. Beauvoir School, a co-edschool serving preschool through 3rd grade 2. St. Alban's School, an all-boys school serving grades four through twelve 3. National Cathedral School, an all-girls school serving grades four through twelve
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Media
Introduction
According to the architect Pierre L’Enfant, The Washington National Cathedral was created to be a “great church for national purposes.” The construction of this important Cathedral dates back to the birth of the United States. Building the National Cathedral took a great amount of energy, planning, work, and time. This Cathedral has been through damage, repair, and renovations. Tod…
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The Building
In 1791, Pierre L’Enfant was commissioned by President George Washington to build a visionary plan of the nation’s capital. L’Enfant designed plans for a cathedral to be built. The charter to build the National Cathedral was granted 102 years later, in 1893 by President Benjamin Harrison. Initially, the bishop assigned England’s leading Anglican church architect, George Frederick Bodl…
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Architecture
The Washington National Cathedral is thought to be one of the last churches to use the Gothic style of architecture. This style of architecture originated in 12th century Europe. One key element of Gothic architecture is the pointed arch, which permits both higher walls and wider aisles in the building. The Cathedral was constructed using only soli...
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The Saints
The National Cathedral honors many saints that have an effect on history and who impact Christian lives in many ways. The Cathedral’s two main saints are St. Peter and St. Paul. Simon Peter’s name means the ‘rock.’ Jesus hoped for him to be the ‘rock’ on which he would build his church (Matthew 16:18). Paul, originally named Saul, was a Roman citizen who persecuted Chris…
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The History
The National Cathedral’s history dates back to the early years of the United States of America. In 1791, President George Washington commissioned Pierre L’Enfant to design the nation’s capital and in 1893, “Congress granted a charter to the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation of the District of Columbia” (Timeline). The charter is preserved in the National Archives. In 1896, Bish…
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Conclusion
The National Cathedral has a massive, detailed, and rich history that is still remembered today. The thought, time, and effort put into the construction of this building is what made it so unique today. Overall, The Washington National Cathedral is a magnificent piece of architecture and history that emphasizes the importance of religious freedom in the United States. This building …
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