Step inside Washington's own Gothic cathedral Despite being built entirely during the 20th century (1907-1990), the techniques used to construct the Washington National Cathedral were the same as those used on the centuries-old Gothic churches in Europe. What powered the larger tools and cranes was different, but otherwise, the processes, ordering, and artistic finishing were almost entirely medieval. The last time a building of this magnitude was built using these techniques, cameras did not exist. Images of America: Building Washington National Cathedral divides the 20th century into decades to detail what must be the first published beginning-to-completion photographic record of the construction of a Gothic cathedral.

photos and descriptions of the stained glass windows of Washington Naitonal Cathedral

• A complex story, well told, that describes the rise and development of one of the nation’s most important and uniquely American religious institutions • Documents a sacred place where the nation has celebrated some of its greatest triumphs and grieved some of its greatest losses • Site at the crossroads of American life and culture, where major national issues have been discussed and illuminated, including civil rights and the war in Vietnam This new book provides a history of Washington National Cathedral from its inception to the modern day, focusing finally on the episcopacy of Bishop John T. Walker, who died in the fall of 1989.

Washington National Cathedral stands in an unparalleled position at the intersection of religious faith and public life in America, and has been called the “spiritual home for the nation.” Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III occupied its massive Canterbury pulpit as dean during an often- turbulent period in the nation and rapid changes in American religious life. In Sermons from the National Cathedral, Dean Lloyd provides a compelling vision of an intellectually alive, publicly engaged Christian faith, a vision of the Christian life rooted in ancient teaching. Readers will find the sermonsse engaging and appreciate that Dean Lloyd takes seriously the experiences of doubt and searching that are so much a part of the modern religious experience of our time. He successfully demonstrates the positive role faith can play in public life and addresses the questions and challenges faith must face in the twenty-first century. These soundings, as Lloyd calls them, illumine the full spectrum of Christian belief while also addressing such issues as the difficulty of faith, the relationship between science and faith, the mystery of suffering, the necessity of forgiveness, the meaning of the cross, the urgency of reconciliation, and the call to care for the earth. These reflections will appeal to traditional Christians seeking spiritual enrichment and are accessible to those seeking answers to how their faith fits into our modern world.

Marjorie Hunt presents the lives and careers of two Italian American master stone carvers, Roger Morigi and Vincent Palumbo, who have spent decades creating the sculptural works, such as gargoyles, grotesques, capitals, pinnacles, saints, and angels that embellish Washington National Cathedral. Exploring the carvers' underlying aesthetic attitudes, Hunt reveals the spirit of creativity and mastery that infuses their work. The book records the stone-carving process, highlighting the carvers' complex body of technical knowledge—their opinions of various stones, their preferred tools for different stages of carving, and their techniques for achieving effects of light and shadow.

Powerful sermons from Washington National Cathedral that inspire and a foreword by John Meacham. Through their sermons, Cathedral clergy and guest preachers such as Jon Meacham, Kelly Brown Douglas, and Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry share inspiring words. Collectively, they offer lasting guidance for difficult times, reinforcing that even in the midst of loss and chaos, God is at work among us, lifting us up and giving us hope for the future. Topics include hope, faith during times of distress, love, grief, and the presence of God. With a foreword by Jon Meacham.

Europeans who visit the Washington National Cathedral find it hard to believe that this Gothic marvel was built in the 20th century -- and in only 88 years.