A couple of years ago when we were in the Chesapeake, my goodness I can hardly believe it was that long ago. Anyway while we were in Baltimore and Washington we visited two beautiful Cathedrals . In Baltimore the Basilica of the Assumption was the first Cathedral that the Catholic Church built in America. It is a spectacular structure, light and airy and welcoming. Built in the neo-classical design favored by Thomas Jefferson it is, today, considered one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in the world and has been declared a National Historic Landmark.
No trip to Washington would be complete without a stop at the National Cathedral which many of us have seen on television. Built in the Gothic style it is dark and awe inspiring. It is a much newer structure than the Basilica; one of the stained glass windows even has a rock from the moon embedded.
Both are architecturally significant, both are beautiful, no doubt about it they are two spectacular houses of worship. I am not a particularly well-traveled person, and I have never seen many of the beautiful churches that are built around the world. In spite of the foregoing disclaimer I hereby submit my nomination for the most magnificent cathedral of them all -
Most people know that I am not particularly religious but I find this tiny little chapel to be an awe inspiring and peaceful place. Perhaps not a cathedral in the strict definition of the word but certainly a special place for reflection and worship set in the great Cathedral of Nature.
No trip to Washington would be complete without a stop at the National Cathedral which many of us have seen on television. Built in the Gothic style it is dark and awe inspiring. It is a much newer structure than the Basilica; one of the stained glass windows even has a rock from the moon embedded.
Both are architecturally significant, both are beautiful, no doubt about it they are two spectacular houses of worship. I am not a particularly well-traveled person, and I have never seen many of the beautiful churches that are built around the world. In spite of the foregoing disclaimer I hereby submit my nomination for the most magnificent cathedral of them all -
The Chapel of the Transfiguration in Grand Teton National Park.
This humble little chapel was built in 1925 on land donated by a local resident. The architecture, as you can see, is unremarkable, the materials simply wood that was no doubt felled and hewn near the site. A few wooden pews and a plain wooden alter complete the interior adornment, nothing lavish; until you sit in the pews and look up to the altar. Then the full majesty of God’s creation spreads out before you.
Most people know that I am not particularly religious but I find this tiny little chapel to be an awe inspiring and peaceful place. Perhaps not a cathedral in the strict definition of the word but certainly a special place for reflection and worship set in the great Cathedral of Nature.
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