The Washington National Cathedral |
Welcoming
people of all faiths is one of the main goals of National Cathedral in
Washington, DC. This monumental cathedral that is located at 3101 Wisconsin
Avenue in Northwest Washington, DC. It is situated at the intersection of
Wisconsin and Massachusetts avenues. This is a great architectural building to
visit with family and friends. Bringing children at the National Cathedral will
not only give them a sense of faith and perspective but will also teach them to
appreciate the beauty of this magnificent cathedral.
The following are some important and fun facts about the
National Cathedral that will help you understand both the spiritual and
civic mission of the church.
• The official name of National Cathedral is the Cathedral of Saint Peter and
Saint Paul. It is a Gothic cathedral and is recognized as the sixth largest in
the world though it is the second largest in the United States. This holy
landing is the fourth largest structure in the District of Columbia.
• One of the most prized features of the National Cathedral is its music and
choir. The Washington National Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys is noticeably
an all male choir that was founded in
1909. The particular choir is considered as one of the very few and elite all
boys choir that is connected to a school. The members of this prestigious choir
are enrolled at St. Albans School under scholarship for singing. 88 years after
the all male choir was established, National Cathedral formed another group of
talented singers- Cathedral Choir of Men and Girls. The female members of the
choir attend the National Cathedral School under singing scholarships as well.
Nowadays, the two choirs serve during ceremonies and services. During special
occasions, these two choirs join their musical prowess to perform on concerts
and recitals.
• Aside from the musical features of the National Cathedral, this Gothic church
is also known for its traditional and contemporary work of arts. The church is
full of crypts, devotional arts, gargoyles and Gothic inspired sculptures.
National Cathedral is also known for its 98 foot vaulted ceiling, flying
buttresses, sharply pointed arches and stained glass windows with intricate
designs.
• National Cathedral also holds learning and lectures. There are courses and
programs, preaching and conferences that can attended on your own or with your
group. These programs don’t require a particular religion- all you need to have
is a mission and a faith and anyone will be welcome to join.
• The church which is listed under National Register of Historic Places is also
referred as the National House of Prayer. National Cathedral has been a fortress
of the American people during the times of religious and civic confusion and
war. This is the church where people pray for the departed, for the missing
people and for those who are in grave danger during the time of World War II.
• For more information, you can visit National Cathedral’s official website. The
church’s telephone number is (202) 537- 6200 and its e-mail address is
webcomments@cathedral.org.
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