Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Cathedral of St. John the Divine, located in Morningside Heights, New York City, is a prominent Episcopal Church (United States) cathedral, with a history dating back to the late 19th century, influenced by Bishop Henry Codman Potter and Heins & LaFarge. The cathedral's construction began in 1892, with the initial design by George Lewis Heins and C. Grant LaFarge, and was continued by Ralph Adams Cram after 1911. The cathedral has been associated with notable figures such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and Keith Haring. It has also been a venue for various events, including the New York City Marathon and concerts by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic.

● History

The history of the cathedral is closely tied to the Episcopal Diocese of New York, with Bishop William Thomas Manning playing a significant role in its development. The cathedral's construction was influenced by the Gothic Revival style, popularized by architects such as Augustus Welby Pugin and Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. The cathedral has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major restoration project led by Harold Van Buren Magonigle in the 1940s. Notable events held at the cathedral include the funerals of Duke Ellington and James Baldwin, as well as visits by Pope John Paul II and Nelson Mandela. The cathedral has also been involved in various United Nations initiatives, including the Earth Summit and the Millennium Development Goals.

● Architecture

The architecture of the cathedral is a blend of Romanesque Revival and Gothic Revival styles, with a design inspired by Notre-Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathedral. The cathedral's exterior is made of granite and limestone, with a rose window designed by Charles Connick. The interior features a nave with a vaulted ceiling, as well as a transept and a choir. The cathedral's design has been influenced by the work of architects such as Frank Furness and John LaFarge, and has been praised by critics such as Lewis Mumford and Vincent Scully. The cathedral has also been compared to other notable buildings, including the Washington National Cathedral and the Cathedral of Saint Patrick.

● Features

The cathedral features a range of notable artworks and artifacts, including a tapestry designed by John Singer Sargent and a stained glass window by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The cathedral's pipe organ was built by Ernest M. Skinner and is considered one of the finest in the world. The cathedral also features a cloister and a gardens, designed by Olmsted Brothers. The cathedral has been recognized for its beauty and historical significance, and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. The cathedral has also been featured in various films and television shows, including The Amazing Spider-Man and Gossip Girl.

● Clergy

The clergy of the cathedral have played a significant role in its history and development, with notable figures including Bishop Paul Moore Jr. and Bishop Mark Sisk. The cathedral has also been associated with various Episcopal Church (United States) leaders, including Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold and Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. The cathedral's clergy have been involved in various social justice initiatives, including the Civil Rights Movement and the LGBT rights movement. The cathedral has also been a venue for various interfaith events, including dialogues with Rabbi Arthur Hertzberg and Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf.

● Music

The music program at the cathedral is renowned for its excellence, with a range of concerts and performances throughout the year. The cathedral's choir is directed by Kent Tritle and has performed with notable ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic and the American Symphony Orchestra. The cathedral has also been a venue for various music festivals, including the Morningside Heights Music Festival and the New York Early Music Festival. The cathedral's music program has been recognized for its quality, with awards from organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Guild of Organists.

● Conservation

The conservation of the cathedral is an ongoing effort, with a range of initiatives aimed at preserving its historic architecture and artworks. The cathedral has been involved in various restoration projects, including a major campaign led by EverGreene Architectural Arts in the 2000s. The cathedral has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, with initiatives such as the GreenFaith program and the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility. The cathedral has been involved in various partnerships with organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund and the Nature Conservancy, and has been a leader in the Religious Coalition for the Environment. The cathedral's conservation efforts have been recognized with awards from organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the New York Landmarks Conservancy. Category:Episcopal cathedrals in the United States