9 September 1985
Washington DC
Yenö was anxious to show us a bit of his beloved adopted-city. There wasn’t much daylight left, so we went to see the National Cathedral, easy walking distance to the apartment. Although construction, which had begun 78 years before was still ongoing, the cathedral was open for services and special events. In fact, they were setting up for a classical music concert, so we were unable to go inside and had to be satisfied with seeing the grand edifice from the outside.
Here are some notes about the cathedral (not sourced, I’m afraid):
George Washington was the first to plan a “great church for national purposes in the capital city.” In 1893, Congress granted a charter creating the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, and in 1907 the foundation stone was laid. President Theodore Roosevelt was the speaker on that memorable occasion.
The official name of the cathedral is the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It is the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese in Washington. Since it seeks to serve the whole nation, offering its ministry on behalf of all churches, it is widely known as National Cathedral.
Built in the shape of a cross, the architecture of the cathedral is 14th Century Gothic. It requires no structural steel; the flying buttresses balance the outward thrust of its Indiana limestone walls. Philip Frohman was its prime architect, taking over the design in 1921, and working until his death in 1972.
The completed nave was dedicated in 1976. Probably the last pure Gothic construction in the world is that of the west façade and the towers. When completed, the cathedral will be the sixth largest in the world. At 676 feet (206 m) above sea level, the top of the Gloria in Excelsis tower is the highest point in Washington.
The Garth Fountain
Praise God who giveth the water of life and hath received into everlasting life
Irene Sophie Dupont (1877-1961)
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