Sunday, July 23, 2017

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

The following photos were taken below ground level, where there are five small chapels known as The Crypt.



This is The Resurrection Chapel, and contains mosaic scenes which depict the appearances of Jesus following his resurrection.



The mosaics in the back were designed by one of the most prolific and long-lived cathedral artists, Rowan LeCompte and his wife Irene.  




So the story goes, Mr. LeCompte became enamored by the stained glass on a visit to the cathedral when he was 13 years of age, and he took up the craft.


He has designed more than 40 stained-glass windows for the cathedral, including the great West Rose Window and all of the clerestory (top-level windows in the nave).






















If interested I found a YouTube video on the making of the mosaics.  If you can't see it below, the link is here.  The video wasn't very clear at times but the narration was informative.



The cathedral would appeal to those who are not Christian, and people of all faiths can be seen here. It truly is a magnificent structure, and its architecture, history and artwork is amazing.








This is the final resting place of Alfred Harding, the second bishop of Washington National Cathedral, his wife Justine and their infant son.



I am not sure where I found the painting below, except that it was in the crypt.  A hallway between chapels perhaps.


The only other we entered was The Bethlehem Chapel.  We intend to go back to see the others.



There was a lady here.  She was sitting in a pew to the side, quietly reading a book.  After the hot, muggy weather outside, the coolness underground was very much a comfort.  One could sit in quiet contemplation for a long time without being disturbed.  


Bethlehem Chapel was the first part of the cathedral built on top of the foundation stone, at what is now the crypt level.   Beneath its altar is that foundation stone, which contains a piece of rock from a field near Bethlehem.  It was set on September 29th, 1907, in a ceremony attended by President Theodore Roosevelt.

A worship service has been held here every day since it was finished in 1912.  Bethlehem Chapel was dedicated to the first bishop, Bishop Satterlee, whose remains are laid to rest behind the altar in an alabaster sarcophagus, along with those of his wife Jane.  Bishop Satterlee was a major player in getting the cathedral constructed.  




The chapel also contains the tomb of Admiral George Dewey, hero of the Spanish-American War and later a member of the Cathedral Chapter.

More photos of our time at the cathedral in later posts.




27 comments:

  1. chapels are great I love them

    ReplyDelete
  2. as I scrolled through the first few photos I was thinking, I thought a Crypt was a burial place, with tombs and such. then I got to the rest of the story and saw it IS one and also a chapel. a really pretty one for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  3. What an incredible place. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Those are amazing, and bet they seem even more so in person!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Rose and much better In person. The camera does not give them the justice they deserve.

      Delete
  5. Of course my favorite is the stained glass mosaic. It is fabulous, intricate, beautiful color, and unbelievably glorious. But wait, this is below ground level, so it is not really a window, just resembles one? No matter, it is wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Ginny and agreed, they truly are wonderful! :)

      Delete
  6. What a beautiful building, Denise! And the stained glass is magnificent!

    ReplyDelete
  7. WI had an 'expert' come to talk and demonstrate the art of stained glass etc... I thought he was good but have changed my mind since seeing your pictures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Valerie, that would have been very interesting. I often thought of taking stained glass classes at one time. Maybe I will do that one day, who knows :)

      Delete
  8. The stained glass mosaic are incredible. Such a talented art work. Have a fantastic day!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello Denise, what a lovely tour. The mosaics are beautiful. I love the pretty chapel. I am sure the temps underground feel very nice, like being in a cave. Great photos. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy you enjoyed it Eileen. You are spot on, I went right back to my time visiting Luray Caverns years ago, and it is exactly like that. Happy week to you too :)

      Delete
  10. Amazing stained glass, I thought I might be in Europe, beautiful cathedral.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This cathedral reminds me of the ones I have seen in Europe Christine :)

      Delete
  11. The National Cathedral really is a treasure. Thanks for sharing these details of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are very welcome Ellen and it is indeed, a true treasure :)

      Delete
  12. Stunning I wish we had of visited when we there. Thanks so much for the virtual tour Diane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perhaps you will come back Diane. There is always so much to see and lots that we don't get round to. An excuse for another trip :)

      Delete
  13. The mosaics are incredible! Amazing how they captured the facial expressions.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so for taking the time to leave a comment. I enjoy reading them very much and always try to return a visit. As I do monitor comments it may take a while for them to appear, even quite late depending on what is going on and how much time I am able to spend on the computer.

I appreciate all who look at my blog, but I won't be publishing any businesses. If you are only able to publish anonymously, would you sign your name please, and leave an addy so I can return your visit where possible? Thank you!