Gothic Glory on Wisconsin Avenue
I used to live and work north of Georgetown and spent a lot of time making my way up and down Wisconsin Avenue, back and forth past the National Cathedral. Funny how driving or walking past something routinely can begin to make it almost disappear, even if it’s the 6th largest cathedral in the world and a Gothic wonder. I drove over earlier this week to take a look like a proper tourist.
George Washington’s vision of the capital city included, "A church intended for national purposes, ..., assigned to the special use of no particular sect or denomination, but equally open to all." But it wasn't until 1907 that its construction began and then eighty-three more years to complete---from Teddy Roosevelt to the first George Bush. One of the informational plaques on the 7th level observation level describes that “strolling by in the years just after World War I, one could have seen horses still in use to haul dirt away.”
Whether following the flower-lined path in the medieval walled Bishop’s garden, craning your neck to count gargoyles and flying buttresses, or basking in the jewel-colored light streaming through 200 stained glass windows, you’ll be suitably inspired.
Be sure to notice the piece of moon brought back by the Apollo 11 crew in the center of the deep purples and swirled stars of the “space window.”
Helen Keller is buried here as well as the ashes of her teacher, Annie Sullivan. Woodrow Wilson's final resting place is also here. Martin Luther King spoke from this pulpit---his last Sunday sermon before he died.
You can hear the massive organ pipes brought to life every Monday and Wednesday afternoon in free mini-recitals. The Cathedral offers behind-the-scenes tours and a tour that includes tea on the uppermost level. Ideas for engaging your kids in a visit are linked here.
There’s a parking garage under the 57 acre site, but I had no trouble finding a spot on the street. With several restaurants nearby offering outdoor seating, now is the perfect time to get a nice spot of glory and lunch on Wisconsin Avenue.
May 13th, 2011 - 21:33
Reading your blog about the Cathedral allows us to see it through new eyes and understand it’s importance to Washington.