Here's a copy of a letter from the National Cathedral today. I hope they don't mind if I reprint it since it offers clues of the recent earthquake-related damages. From the pictures I am posting, the damage appears to have pushed pieces to lower sections of the roof rather than onto the ground. It makes me wonder whether it was planned that way, and proved a tremendously good idea if it was. Fortunately, the rose window pictured online in last Sunday's service, and indeed all 231 stained
glass windows, were spared in whole.
Interior of Washington National Cathedral
Dear Friend,
The National Cathedral sustained significant damage yesterday in the biggest earthquake to hit the East Coast in more than 70 years. Fortunately, no one was injured and damage to the interior seems to be limited. Every assessment indicates that the Cathedral is structurally sound, but the exterior has suffered visible damage.
As a special friend of the Cathedral, we want you to be informed with the latest updates about this national treasure. To learn the latest information, visit www.nationalcathedral.org.
Here is what we know so far about damage to the building's exterior:
As we assess the damage and begin the hard work ahead, please visit our website for continual updates: www.nationalcathedral.org
Thanks to your help, our efforts to rebuild and restore the nation's Cathedral start today.
The National Cathedral sustained significant damage yesterday in the biggest earthquake to hit the East Coast in more than 70 years. Fortunately, no one was injured and damage to the interior seems to be limited. Every assessment indicates that the Cathedral is structurally sound, but the exterior has suffered visible damage.
As a special friend of the Cathedral, we want you to be informed with the latest updates about this national treasure. To learn the latest information, visit www.nationalcathedral.org.
Here is what we know so far about damage to the building's exterior:
- Three of the four pinnacles on the central tower, at the highest point of the Cathedral, have broken off—luckily onto the roof, which is reinforced by concrete.
- Some of the flying buttresses also suffered major cracks, especially around the historic apse at the building's east end. The extent of that damage is still unknown.
- One large finial fell from the northwest tower onto the Cathedral lawn. Due to its size and weight, gravity has lodged it into the ground.
- A number of the Cathedral's beautiful exterior sculptures and carvings were damaged, particularly on the central tower.
As we assess the damage and begin the hard work ahead, please visit our website for continual updates: www.nationalcathedral.org
Thanks to your help, our efforts to rebuild and restore the nation's Cathedral start today.
Interior of Washington National Cathedral
Actual photographs of the damage can be seen on the Cathedral website here and here. Meanwhile, we'll just have to stay tuned. Dean Lloyd is magnificently handling the challenge, as always. Now if only he could stay...
UPDATE: The Atlantic and The Washington Post have interesting reports.
UPDATE: The Atlantic and The Washington Post have interesting reports.
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