History of the construction of Washington National Cathedral

Usually people do not expect anything special from religious buildings. The maximum is historical architecture or unique paintings. But the Cathedral of Peter and Paul in Washington is just capable of surprising even skeptics.

The cathedral was founded on the highest hill in Washington and was supposed to be one of the architectural landmarks of the city. Oddly enough, the cathedral belongs to the Anglican Episcopal Church, whose parishioners in the United States are less than 3% of the population. But the presidents are very much in there: this branch of Christianity was formed just at the time of separation from England and is considered the religion of the country's founding fathers.

The building looks very old, almost like medieval Gothic cathedrals. But this is just a good imitation: construction began in 1907, and the cathedral was completed only in 1990. And, of course, the believing elite spared no effort or money.

The lecterns and music stands are made of fragments of Canterbury Cathedral, the altar is made of Jerusalem sandstone, and 10 symbolic tablets with the commandments are made from the stones of the Chapel of Moses from the Egyptian Mount Sinai.

Progressive decor

Particular attention should be paid to the interior decoration. In the Cathedral of Peter and Paul, there are sculptures not only of the apostles themselves and allegorical images of God. There was a place for those who did godly missions in modern America. So, among the saints from the legends, quite real characters appeared: Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa, Abraham Lincoln and others.

Among the 200 picturesque stained-glass windows, there are scenes that could hardly have appeared anywhere else. For example, the beloved stained glass window depicting a man landing on the moon.

The system of gutters outside is covered by 112 gargoyles — symbols of evil. Among them is a gargoyle with the head of Darth Vader. She appeared there after a children's drawing competition: the children portrayed the most insidious villain in their opinion, and the church went to meet and began to reform the gargoyles into characters they understand.

It is for this attitude and positive attitude to change that Washington Cathedral is valued by Americans. Not only parishioners of this church, but also atheists. However, there is controversy around the cathedral.

Earthquakes and shocks

The Anglican Episcopal Church is distinguished by a liberal attitude towards many aspects of life. Including gives the dignity of priests to women, which is strictly prohibited in other branches of Christianity. And in the early 2000s, representatives of the cathedral officially declared their approval of homosexual couples, since God encourages any love. To say that it sparked protests is to say nothing.

In 2011, an earthquake struck the eastern United States that collapsed several spiers of the Cathedral and cracked the walls. All conservative strata of the population immediately associated this with the policy of the church — after all, other cathedrals stand for themselves, whole. Despite this, since 2013, official gay and lesbian marriage ceremonies have been held at Washington Cathedral.

It is absolutely free to look at the Washington Cathedral and listen to organ concerts inside almost any day. But this is just one of the many interesting places in the capital.