Washington National Cathedral

Washington National Cathedral. The cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Washington and the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States of America, Katharine Jefferts Schori, and Michael Curry. It is a notable example of Gothic Revival architecture in the United States, with influences from Notre-Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathedral. The cathedral is affiliated with the National Cathedral School (Washington, D.C.) and the Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School, and is located near the United States Naval Observatory and the Vice President of the United States's residence.

● History

The construction of the cathedral began in 1907, during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt, and was completed in 1990, with the final finial being placed in the presence of George H.W. Bush and Nelson Mandela. The cathedral was designed by Henry Vaughan (architect), who was inspired by the works of Augustus Welby Pugin and Evelyn Underhill. The cathedral's construction was supported by Pierre S. du Pont and John Jacob Astor IV, among others. The cathedral has been the site of numerous state funerals, including those of Dwight D. Eisenhower, Harry S. Truman, and Ronald Reagan, as well as the memorial service for Princess Diana.

● Architecture

The cathedral's design is characterized by its use of Indiana limestone and Virginia fieldstone, with a Gothic Revival style inspired by the great cathedrals of Europe, such as Cologne Cathedral and Rouen Cathedral. The cathedral's central tower is inspired by the Tower of London and the Bath Abbey, while its Rose window is modeled after the one in Notre-Dame de Paris. The cathedral's architecture has been praised by Frank Lloyd Wright and I.M. Pei, among others. The cathedral is also home to numerous Gargoyles and Grotesques, including a famous Darth Vader gargoyle, which was designed by Jay Hall Carpenter and National Cathedral Stone Carvers.

● Stained Glass and Sculpture

The cathedral features numerous examples of Stained glass art, including works by Louis Comfort Tiffany and John La Farge. The cathedral's Rose window is one of the largest in the United States, and features a design inspired by the Sistine Chapel and the Sainte-Chapelle. The cathedral is also home to numerous sculptures, including works by Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore. The cathedral's Pulpit is carved from a single block of Italian marble and features a design inspired by the Pulpit of the Cathedral of Siena. The cathedral's Baptismal font is a gift from the Church of England and features a design inspired by the Baptistery of St. John in Florence.

● Music and Worship

The cathedral is known for its Anglican worship and Choral music tradition, with a choir that has performed with the National Symphony Orchestra and the United States Marine Band. The cathedral's Organ (music), which was built by Ernest M. Skinner, is one of the largest in the United States, with over 10,000 Pipe organ pipes. The cathedral has hosted numerous notable musicians, including Leonard Bernstein, Maurice Duruflé, and Duke Ellington. The cathedral is also home to a Carillon, which features 53 Bells and is played regularly during worship services and special events.

● Notable Events and Burials

The cathedral has hosted numerous state funerals, including those of Woodrow Wilson, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Ronald Reagan. The cathedral is also the final resting place of Helen Keller, Anne Sullivan, and George Dewey, among others. The cathedral has hosted numerous notable events, including the Presidential inauguration of George W. Bush and the Funeral of Ronald Reagan. The cathedral has also been the site of numerous Interfaith dialogue events, including a visit by Pope John Paul II in 1979 and a visit by the Dalai Lama in 2011.

● Conservation and Restoration

The cathedral is currently undergoing a major Conservation-restoration project, which is being led by the National Cathedral Association and the National Park Service. The project aims to repair damage caused by the 2011 Virginia earthquake and to restore the cathedral's Stonework and Stained glass windows. The project is being supported by numerous organizations, including the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the World Monuments Fund. The cathedral has also received support from numerous individuals, including Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, who have both served as Honorary Chair of the cathedral's conservation campaign. Category:Episcopal churches in Washington, D.C.