Cathedral of St. John the Divine, located in New York City, is the largest cathedral in America. Built in 1892, it is over four football fields long, contains over 11 levels and is home to many memorials and works of art. This breathtaking cathedral serves as a destination for worshipers and tourists alike.
History of Cathedral of St. John the Divine
The Medieval-style Cathedral of St. John the Divine has been a beacon of splendor for more than a century. The idea of a larger-than-life cathedral w in the minds of its builders in the late 19th century and funding was raised to turn the vision into reality. Construction on the cathedral began in 1892 and was led by architect George Heins, who coincidentally also designed the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In its original design, the building was planned to have several spires, but these were ultimately scrapped when Heins’s design was found to be too ambitious. The result was an unfinished building without any spires and the project was halted in 1911. Nonetheless, the cathedral still stands today as a symbol of grandeur and the epitome of Gothic architecture.
Interior of the Cathedral
Upon entering the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, one is immediately struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the building; from the towering ceiling to the detailed altarpieces, it’s obvious that no expense was spared. Additionally, the frequent concerts and events held in the cathedral serve as a reminder that the building is both a place of reverence and a living, breathing art form. It truly is a place of beauty and inspiration.
The main floor of the cathedral holds several beautiful pieces of art and sculptures, as well as its massive pipe organ. In the north transept hangs the Great Rose Window, which dates back to 1911 and subtly ties in the Cathedral’s history. The lower level houses the crypt and tombs of many of the Cathedral’s benefactors and countless memorials of the departed.
Notable Features of Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Cathedral of St. John the Divine contains many notable features that make it unique and truly part of American folk culture. Here is a look at some of the more prominent points:
• The All Souls Memorial window: located in the north transept, this is a huge window dedicated to those who have passed on from the world.
• The Three Kings Altarpiece: this ornate altarpiece was created in 1983 and is located in the northwest corner of the cathedral.
• “The Tree of Life” tapestry: commissioned in 1970, this tapestry is located in the south transept and is an incredible work of art.
• The Terrace: the stone terrace surrounding the cathedral offers a stunning view of Morningside Park and the Upper West Side.
• The Cloisters: these are four connecting galleries that contain works of art and sculptures from around the world.
Symbolic Meaning of Cathedral of St. John the Divine
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine serves as a reminder of grandeur and magnificence. It stands as a symbol of resilience and an ode to human ingenuity, as it has gone through numerous disasters–from fires to floods–but stands strong as one of the greatest architectural feats achieved in New York City.
The cathedral stands as a beacon of faith in a world of chaos and a reminder to believers that the divine exists in our everyday lives and experiences. Above all, it is a place of peace, beauty and reflection that celebrates life and mirrors the beauty of the Creator and Creation.
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is an iconic place of worship, testimony and beauty that has attracted countless visitors and worshipers since it opened in 1892. From its groundbreaking architecture to its impressive art, it is a testament to human achievement and serves as a reminder that with faith, anything is possible. The cathedral stands as one of the best examples of Gothic architecture and continues to awe and inspire visitors from all walks of life. As America’s largest cathedral, it is a shining light of faith, love and hope in a troubled and chaotic world.
