CATHEDR AL AGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL | SPECIAL EDITION 2011 earthquake Angels needed. During its more than 100-year historythe Cathedral has been supported on the wings of angels near and far. Angels are once again needed to restore this national treasure. Are you an angel?

above damaged pinnacles, central tower photo m. mcnamara CATHEDR AL AGE SPECIAL EDITION 2011 c.a. seferlis Contents

2 Comment 12 In Search of Stability 20 Faithful in Worship All Things Are Possible an interview with structural a Cathedral on the move the. rev. dr. mariann edgar budde engineer Jon Tung 4 Fallen Angels 14 Every Piece Has a Purpose with sudden shocks, the need examples of representative damage for restoration m. leigh harrison

on the front cover the "fallen angel" from the southwest grand pinnacle of the central tower demonstrates the damage to hand- carved stonework; photo j. alonso comment All Things are Possible

When a magnitude 5.8 earthquake hit the Cathedral Cathedral’s structure is sound. It can be restored, Close on the afternoon of August 23, none of us and it must be. No building made by human hands suspected the aftershocks that have continued for can endure in beauty like God can. But if the our great National Cathedral and its ministries. The earthquake of August 23 made evident this truth, Cathedral had hosted a service for the people of Japan events afterward have brought home a complementary only a few months earlier, after a magnitude 9.0 message as well: the world loves, and the nation needs, earthquake and tsunami struck that island nation; its Cathedral. about a year before that, it had done the same for I have been touched to learn of several extraordinary Haiti. Images of nature’s potential for destruction offers of support, the first of many that will be were still very much on our minds, compared to required before this national treasure’s full beauty which the August 23 earthquake seemed only an can be restored. This issue notes a music-filled interruption. dedication service for the newest great national I admit that I, too, thought that any harm to memorial and the ongoing worship life of a pilgrim the Cathedral building would be negligible. congregation. The next issue will feature the type Unfortunately, however, that is not the case. The of commemoration that Pierre L’Enfant’s “great Cathedral’s structure is so awesome in scale that the church for national purposes” seems destined for: extent of damage seems difficult to comprehend; A Call to Compassion, the weekend marking the stabilization efforts have cost between $1 and $2 tenth anniversary of 9/11. All of these offerings were million already, and they are expected to rise. The able to succeed outside of the Cathedral in a variety Cathedral’s closure to the public has also seriously of welcoming locations, but only one place exists impacted its bare-bones, post-recession operating where all are equally possible. That is the National budget. After I join you in Washington for what I Cathedral—your Cathedral. The nation still needs feel sure will be a joyous consecration, the Cathedral this sacred place, and I ask for your help to restore it. building will once again to the public—but our work A sudden earthquake might have reminded us of our of restoring it will only have begun. vulnerability, but A Call to Compassion reminded The figures are sobering. Even after the Cathedral’s us of the strength we gain from reaching out to one portals reopen this November, we must look ahead another. It is my prayer that we will work together to more than $22 million to support operations, now with renewed common purpose, actively relying stabilization, and initial repairs. Tens of millions of on each other, undaunted as we approach the task dollars more must be raised over the coming years ahead. For as Jesus promised us, “with God all things to completely to reshape or replace many tons of are possible” (Matt. 19:26). damaged stonework on the exterior. In addition, it Let us trust in our God of infinite possibility as we is very clear that the Cathedral’s endowment must embark together on these efforts, so that distinct itself be built up. The damage from this earthquake and grace-filled ministries may continue to call this underscores a need to respond immediately and building home for centuries to come. flexibly to cover restoration costs that will surely arise Faithfully in Christ, from future disasters.

I give thanks to God that no one was injured by the rev. dr. mariann edgar budde falling stone, and I know that we are blessed that the bishop-elect of washington

right broken buttress pinnacle, with its finial lying in apse gutter c.a. seferlis 2 cathedral age photo CATHEDR AL AGE

Cathedral Age is the official quarterly publication of Washington National Cathedral. john bryson chane interim cathedral dean kathleen a. cox executive director/chief operating officer

Cathedral Age is produced by the Communications and Marketing Department of Washington National Cathedral. steven m. schwab director of external relations richard m. weinberg director of communications craig w. stapert associate director for online strategies mimi m. mcnamara senior graphic designer m. leigh harrison communications and campaign associate

cathedral chapter The Rev. Dr. James P. Wind, chair; Alexander Netchvolodoff, vice-chair; C. Raymond Marvin, secretary; David J. Kautter, chair, finance committee; Maxmillian Angerholzer iii; Boyce L. Ansley; John D. Barker; Richard F. Bland; Dr. Ann Carol Brown; The Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, bishop of Washington and interim dean; The Rev. Dr. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop-elect of Washington; Timothy C. Coughlin; Robert B. Coutts; The Hon. John H. Dalton; Cynthia Fowler; The Hon. C. Boyden Gray; James E. Lyons; Craig M. McKee; Dr. Eric L. Motley; Alexander Platt; J. Michael Shepherd; Geoffrey S. Stewart; Dorothy Woodcock =

To Subscribe to Cathedral Age Email your request to [email protected]. Cathedral Age is a benefit of nca membership. For information on membership, email [email protected]. Postmaster Send subscription orders, change of address, and other circulation correspondence to Cathedral Age—Records Department, Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016-5098.

Copyright ©2011 Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation ISSN 0008-7874. Cathedral Age is published quarterly by the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation, 3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016-5098. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. Editorial comments should be addressed to The Editor, Cathedral Age, Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington DC 20016-5098. Telephone (202) 537-6200.

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special 2011 3 Fallen Angels with sudden shocks, the need for restoration by m. leigh harrison

If you could visit Washington National Cathedral the nation’s Cathedral is recovering from an today, you might not recognize it: a tall chain-link earthquake. perimeter fence completely encircles the Cathedral. how it happened It enforces a wide berth from the nation’s spiritual August 23, 2011, was a normal, if busy, summer home, blocking access to South Road, the Bishop’s afternoon on the Close. Visitors were touring the Garden, and the main entrances to many of the nave, exploring chapels in the crypt, and surveying the secondary buildings on the Cathedral Close. Large city beyond Olmsted Woods from the Pilgrim Obser- assemblies of steel scaΩolding with steep-sided vation Gallery. The noon Eucharist had finished, wooden roofs—covered walkways—snake awkwardly and intercessory prayers were the next scheduled across Walker Court and up from Woodley Road worship activity. After more than a year of planning, to the administrative wing, where doors are locked. Cathedral staΩ were putting the final details in place Giant steel beams laid flat at right angles to each for A Call to Compassion: three days of programs to other jut out from the top of the Gloria in Excelsis commemorate the tenth anniversary of September 11, tower, like an abstract crown of thorns. 2001. A meeting was taking place in o≈ces located These expensive but necessary precautions in the southwest tower. Cathedral stonemasons were temporarily mar the beauty of this national landmark: repointing steps at the west front. Tourists snapped

above the upper third of the northeast grand pinnacle, central tower, was shaken apart in the quake; its finial fell to the roof right damage to the four grand pinnacles, central tower; photos c.a.seferlis 4 cathedral age photos from an open-topped tour bus circling the was really swaying. Horticulturist Deanne Evers- grounds, and more buses and cars were arriving to meyer, working at the amphitheatre on the south park at the Cathedral’s below-ground parking lot. side, was one person who heard clanging as the tower At approximately 2 pm, a rolling tremor began as bells began to ring themselves: later investigations a shallow and widespread magnitude 5.8 earthquake revealed that a number of cables in the carillon had struck the east coast of the U.S. snapped. StaΩ meeting in the southwest tower rushed The quake’s epicenter was located closest to Min- down ten flights of stairs that moved under their feet eral, Va. (pop. 424), a once-promising mining town as they attempted to exit the building, and visitors named after its location on the so-called Gold-Pyrite to the crypt reported that the floor there started to Belt that stretches between Buckingham County and roll. Amazingly, no injuries were sustained during the Fairfax County. Buildings were evacuated across the earthquake or the evacuations. capital region, and cell phone signals were jammed for With media arriving on the scene, Cathedral hours, but most Washingtonians experienced no more Dean Samuel T. Lloyd iii and other senior leader- inconvenience than that. A number of landmarks, ship, including Bishop of Washington John Bryson however, sustained significant damage—notably Chane and Canon Kathleen A. Cox, began to survey Union Station, the Washington Monument, and the the perimeter of the building to get a sense of what National Cathedral. had occurred. What they saw was incredible from the The shaking was over in less than a minute. Those ground, but no one expected what would be revealed on site tell tales ranging from the mundane to the close-up. extreme, depending on where they were at the time. The earthquake was most destructive highest in immediate reactions the Cathedral, and the pinnacles of the central tower StaΩ in the nave and lower level gift shop worked to felt its force most strongly: some of these huge pieces clear visitors. Administration building staΩ gathered of stonework literally rotated, while others were on North Road and tried to determine if their eyes shaken apart. Flying buttresses around the apse at the were playing tricks on them or if the central tower historic east end of the Cathedral (the tall, freestand-

special 2011 5 ing ones) suffered cracks where their “flying” arms met uprights attached to the building. Pieces of stone, large and small, littered the ground: one intermedi- ate pinnacle’s finial-top (known colloquially as a “pineapple”) fell more than a hundred feet to embed itself into the ground near Walker Court. Many more pieces of stone landed on the roof, which in a few places was perforated with large holes from falling stone. The nave floor was coated with mortar chips and dust that had showered down from the Cathe- dral’s vaulted ceiling. stabilization work begins Although the earthquake took place in balmy weather, conditions were about to take a turn for the worse. Hurricane Irene had strengthened and was on a path to strike heavily populated areas on the east coast. And not only the roof needed patching before the storm would strike. At a press conference held at 2 pm on Thursday, August 24, Mason Foreman Joe Alonso joined a team of architects and structural engineers to explain the National Cathedral results of preliminary visual assessments. Dean Lloyd announced at that time that the Cathedral build- Association Angels ing would remain closed to the public through at An outpouring of support from the National least Saturday, August 27, when a much-anticipated Cathedral Association (nca) across the country worship service to dedicate the Martin Luther King, has come in to begin fundraising efforts on behalf Jr. National Memorial had been scheduled to take of the Cathedral. A leading example is underway in place at the Cathedral. (The Basilica of the National California where Susan Stone Hayes, a long-time Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, in North- Cathedral supporter and nca regional volunteer east D.C. on the campus of Catholic University of leader, has launched “an effort to encourage America, graciously allowed the Cathedral staΩ and Californians to actively participate in helping fund service participants to conduct the service there the massive repairs that will be required for the instead; Washington Hebrew Congregation hosted Cathedral.” Hayes has committed to matching the Cathedral’s Sunday worship for the next three up to $50,000 of every gift made originating in Sundays.) California toward the Cathedral’s restoration. Dean Lloyd closed the press conference with his Hayes said that she was most inspired by vision for the path ahead. “The Cathedral build- supporters who have been acting as “angels” ing represents the grandeur and beauty of faith—its for more than a century to realize the idea of a importance to American life and indeed to human National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. “Now, life,” he said. “But yesterday’s earthquake reminds us however,” she continued, “the Cathedral, while still that no finite building is God. We will move for- structurally sound and ready to again take up its ward with our faith unshaken, and we will repair the mission and ministry, will require a huge amount of building. Help from the countless Americans who time and money to address the damage resulting helped build the Cathedral in the first place will make from the earthquake.” it whole again,” he predicted, referring to a multi- decade building eΩort led by the National Cathedral

above joe alonso speaks about damage to the cathedral 6 cathedral age during an august 25 press conference Association (nca) that began in the 1890s. the damaged central tower as assessments contin- Tracking to the east, Hurricane Irene knocked a ued and stabilization work began. A crane would be few stones from the exterior but confined most of its brought in to hang large sheets of industrial netting limited damage to the grounds, where it blew down from the tower for this purpose. some trees. No people were injured, thanks in part an unexpected complication to quick adoption of engineers’ safety recommenda- On a rainy Wednesday, September 7, the enormous tions. These included the placement of the chain-link crane that was being used to secure the damaged perimeter fence and the construction of covered pinnacles on the central tower suddenly collapsed walkways still visible on the Close. with a thunderous noise. Several cars parked on South The Cathedral’s recent strategic planning and Road were crushed, the air blown out of their tires visioning process had encouraged eΩorts toward by the force of the falling several-ton machine. The restoration and preservation well before the quake. roof of the historic Herb Cottage, one of the earli- The forethought was appreciated on August 29, when est buildings on the Close, was clipped on one of its Cathedral friends had a chance to hear about these eight sides; a long-standing fig tree was destroyed in eΩorts first-hand from a knowledgeable “insider” front of the building, originally built to house the perspective at the Cathedral’s first-ever Preservation baptistry and long ago made into a gift shop operated Webinar. The live online video symposium featured by All Hallows Guild. The crane also knocked large Mason Foreman Joe Alonso along with Andrew blocks out of the original stone wall and “Norman J. Hullinger, senior director for finance and Arch” leading into the Bishop’s Garden, where several administration, who oversees the Cathedral’s budget, heritage plantings were also harmed by the collapse. preservation, and maintenance. A pulley component weighing some 1.5 tons landed in Precautions underway at the time included the the garden’s goldfish pond. Miraculously, however, the hanging of large industrial nets on the inside of the crane’s path along South Road entirely avoided the nave at the clerestory level. A careful inch-by-inch Cathedral and the diocesan o≈ce building. inspection of the vaulted nave ceiling then took place The crane operator remained in the cab of the with the aid of bright lights and tall rolling towers crane after it fell; his minor injuries, sustained during of scaΩolding. It revealed that the structure had not a dramatic evacuation of the vehicle, were fortunately been compromised, fortunately, even though a large the only ones reported. Government o≈cials began amount of mortar and dust had shaken down to the analyzing the scene for insights into the cause of the floor when the earthquake struck. The industrial nets collapse, required by law, within hours. Nevertheless, are intended to catch any falling debris before it hits the timing of the event made it impossible to hold the floor of the area. The interior netting eΩort would any events for A Call to Compassion that weekend at be matched by a larger-scale eΩort on the exterior to the Cathedral. StaΩ immediately began researching catch any debris or even stones that might fall from alternative venues.

above damaged grand finial on central tower roof special 2011 7 The stabilization and safe removal of the crane of the successful crane recovery process by Monday, proved to be a very delicate endeavor, precisely September 19. A larger red crane has now begun work because it landed in such a narrow path between the near where the collapsed yellow crane once stood. Cathedral building and other structures. Teams of reopening the cathedral engineers immediately began planning how to remove Ultimately, weeks were required to remove the it safely without upsetting its balance and doing damaged crane safely and to conclude assessments for further harm. The resulting plan, a very carefully o≈cial investigations after its disastrous September 7 developed and choreographed series of steps, would collapse. Now, with the fallen crane finally removed stabilize the upended truck at the base of the crane: from the grounds, work begins again to stabilize the the counter-weights and remaining sections of crane’s building’s towers. The Cathedral remains closed, framework neck (the “latticed boom”), along with following the advice of engineers. Plans are underway components associated with the support and opera- even so for Saturday, November 12, when the Cathe- tion of the upper portion that lifts and moves heavy dral intends to host the consecration of the Rev. Dr. objects (its “luffing jib”), could then be removed. At Mariann Edgar Budde as ninth bishop of the Episco- that point, the truck standing three stories aloft on its pal Diocese of Washington. Festivities surrounding rear wheels could be lowered safely back onto its tires the reopening of the Cathedral will probably take and then be taken away from South Road. place at that time, barring unforeseen complications. Temporary shoring and stabilization of the ground As the Cathedral prepares to reopen, the work of near the projected location of other necessary removal stabilization must continue—despite mounting costs equipment (three additional smaller cranes) began that are already quite steep. The steel beams that Saturday, September 10. Crane Services, Inc. and kce currently rest atop the central tower, 70 tons in total Structural Engineers directed the operation, with weight, will hold up industrial netting to catch stones the assistance of Grubb Ellis and Miller & Long. and debris as planned, and support the work of hoist- The actual positioning of the additional cranes and ing the massive stones. Further scaΩolding atop the related equipment began Monday, September 12. A central tower will allow workers to access and safely walk-through “rehearsal” of the removal process then remove all four damaged grand pinnacles. The com- took place Friday, September 16, followed by the start

8 cathedral age Healing Begins message from canon kathleen cox, executive director and chief operating officer Even as it faced a range of peculiar challenges, the National Cathedral’s staff has held together to carry out an extraordinary mission. I have been truly amazed at how many moving pieces they have managed with grace, dedication, and humor. No one would ever welcome an earthquake or a crane collapse, but I am thankful for the can-do spirit they have revealed. And I know that the Cathedral is blessed to have a comprehensive strategic plan for the next three years. No one could have predicted the earthquake that did so much damage to this beloved landmark and national treasure, and no one could have predicted the crane collapse that would alter so many plans for its most important events. But the Cathedral is fortunate and in fact blessed to have successfully drafted a comprehensive strategic plan for the next three years, well before these disasters struck, and to have a dedicated staff capable of carrying it out. The National Cathedral is called to be the spiritual home for the nation. It seeks to be a catalyst for spiritual harmony in our nation, renewal in the churches, reconciliation among the faiths, and compassion in our world. This mission and vision have already guided us through A Call to Compassion—the enormously powerful tenth-anniversary commemorations for the 9/11 attacks—and they will continue to direct our steps. We will seek to offer a rich variety of worship events, music, and discussion to the nation and the world as our restoration work goes on. Our strategic planning process revealed the need to build the Cathedral’s endowment, in effect to lay deep foundations for new structures of financial support. The expenses related to one sudden quake alone show why this must continue to be a goal. At times of great hardship to others, the National Cathedral must have the strength to offer its ministry even more powerfully. That ministry begins with the building, but it continues with the life that building contains. We know clearly what we must do to remain a healing and awe-inspiring presence in our world. We know our calling and the legacy entrusted by so many to this sacred place. Your prayers, participation, and offers of financial support made our work of planning possible. We will continue to rely on your above installing protective netting in the nave to catch any stray mortar or active support as this generation answers its call to build. stone dust left cracks, spalling, and stone separation photos washington post

special 2011 9 A Close Community pany building the scaΩolding, ubs (Universal Build- ers Supply), has a long record of work with significant A generous gift of $100,000 from the three Cathedral Close structures including the Washington Monument, the schools—Beauvoir, National Cathedral School (ncs), and St. Mormon Temple in D.C., the Jefferson Memorial, Albans School—was made in response to the earthquake dam- the Statue of Liverty, and the Basilica of the National age. The Cathedral learned of the gift, “made on behalf of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception; in addition to students, parents, alumni, faculty, and staff of the three schools, current work on the Cathedral, it will also install the who are privileged to be part of the Cathedral community,” in scaffolding at Union Station to inspect the earthquake a letter from Paula Carreiro, head of Beauvoir; Kathleen O’Neill damage there. Jamieson, head of ncs; and Vance Wilson, head of St. Albans. As it concludes stabilization work on the central Other smaller-scale efforts made by students themselves tower, the crane will move on to facilitate a close pro- include a loose change challenge at the ncs Upper School in fessional inspection of the Sts. Peter and Paul towers which students will collect donations in sets of buckets for one on the west front. The firm of Wiss, Janney, Elstner week with grade pairings competing with each other to raise Associates, Inc., will bring its “Di≈cult Access Team” the most money toward restoration. At St. Albans, the Student of architects and engineers to the Cathedral from Council approved a large portion of proceeds from a fall dance the Washington Monument to perform a thorough to be donated to the Cathedral’s restoration effort. At its Upper “rappelling inspection” of the west façade. Fences will School, students will purchase “tags” to wear, granting them then be moved closer in before they are entirely taken leave to dress out of uniform on a designated “Tag Day.” The away. funds raised will go to the Cathedral. Additionally, even a sibling As the pages of this issue show, the Cathedral’s pair of Beauvoir students in pre-K and second grade classes damaged elements are not only beautiful exterior sent a donation from proceeds of their summer lemonade ornamentation but also, simultaneously, structurally stand. important and crucial for the building’s continued Alumni of both ncs and St. Albans who are members of a longevity. The 150,000-ton Cathedral building itself D.C.-area rock band held a fundraiser for the Cathedral to sup- was constructed with hand-crafted Indiana limestone. port the Cathedral’s restoration. The event raised nearly $1,000, As inspectors conclude their task of checking the and an additional concert is already scheduled. Many more integrity and stability of each element—every crocket, efforts are underway, reflecting the unity of the Cathedral Close in support of its inspiring edifice.

above a 500-ton crane collapsed while doing stabilization work, damaging the herb cottage, south road, and the bishop’s garden 10 cathedral age photo c. stapert finial, gargoyle, angel, pineapple, and grotesque—the work of stabilization will have to continue. Where current stonework can be salvaged, Mason Foreman Joe Alonso has indicated that Cathedral stonemasons will do everything in their power to continue using the original artisans’ work. But where new stonework must be created, the process for doing so will be time- consuming and complex. Molds must be shaped, patterns cut—and stones ordered, quarried, and transported—all before carv- ing can even begin. restoration begins here Standing on the capital’s most awe-inspiring height, with its unique take on the time-tested per- pendicular Gothic style, the National Cathedral has long proven itself to be one of America’s best-loved and most meaningful buildings. Views of and from its towers, the changing beauty of its grounds, and the A Passion for Stone history chronicled in its quiet chapels and nave make it a place that restores the soul. Now this national and the Sacred treasure needs your help. The Cathedral has long served as a place of renewal Mason Foreman Joe Alonso has been in charge of in spiritual and public life. From diplomacy to dona- the stone mason team since 1990, and has worked tion, restoration begins here, so restoration of the as a mason at the Cathedral since 1985. Since the building that makes them possible must begin today. earthquake, he has been in demand both on-site and The first phase of the effort, including stabilization, nationally as an expert in his little-known field. is projected to cost at least $25 million. This work “It’s heartbreaking to me, because I know what went includes at least $2 million for stabilization, another into building this building. I look at a piece of stone, $12 million for early restoration efforts, and at least I can tell you what that stone went through, from $10 million more to replenish and maintain necessary design through carving and being laid in place by program and operating expenses through the end of the stonemason,” Alonso says. “This is a handmade the fiscal year (June 30). Meeting this preliminary building. goal will enable the Cathedral to focus on other iden- “The day of the earthquake, I was working with my tified short-term and long-range preservation needs colleague Andy Uhl on the granite steps of the center of at least $100 million more. portal of the west front. We were planning to move up Just as the Cathedral was built stone by stone, to a scaffold on the north side of the nave, but I wanted paid for by supporters across the country over many to finish the work on the steps first. decades, so it must be rebuilt. Just as all its parts rely on each other to move rainwater and carry weight, “Had we been on the scaffold that day, we would so the Cathedral’s communities of support will need have been seriously injured or worse. The top deck to work in concert to make this effort succeed. Few of that scaffold was littered with fist-sized chunks friends have the talent or training to re-carve gar- of limestone that had fallen nearly 200 feet from the goyles and to return angels to the tops of the towers central tower’s pinnacles.” from which they fell—but everyone can give. Perhaps very few people alive today—if any—are as Collectively, all this work will restore the spiritual intimately familiar with the Cathedral’s architecture home for the nation. and details as Alonso. He and his team face a ca challenging restoration process but will work with strength and a committed passion for the Cathedral and all it stands for as a sacred setting. right mason foreman joe alonso on the new central tower scaf- folding photo c. stapert special 2011 11 In Search of Stability an interview with jon tung, structural engineer with keast and hood engineers

left mason foreman joe alonso and engineer jon tung inspect the damage photo j. struhldreher right crews from ubs installing the massive scaffolding around the central tower pinnacles photo c. stapert

what do you see in the damage back with stainless steel cables as a temporary caas an engineer? measure to keep them stable. Now the concept is to add steel beams on all sides of the central tung For decades and decades, including when tower and to cantilever these steel beams out this building was originally constructed, no one beyond the edge of the roof. We can then build took seismic concerns into consideration. And a scaffold system around all the central tower like a lot of older historic buildings here—such grand pinnacles, and that scaffold system would as the Washington Monument and the memo- stabilize them. It would also provide access for the rials—the building’s an unreinforced masonry masons so they would be able to take apart the structure, which means that its mass holds it smaller pinnacles and put them back together. in place. This works great in compression. But when you deal with seismic considerations, it the buttresses exhibit spalling, ca doesn’t: buildings with greater mass move more cracking, and loose stones—how during seismic events. As the building moves dangerous is this? and deforms, the weak spot becomes the pin- tung The buttresses act as lateral bracing for nacles, which are at the top. From what we’ve the building. As wind pushes against the build- seen, the Cathedral behaved fairly well in the ing in one direction, the buttresses help resist earthquake. It’s just that a lot of the finials ended that force. Wind that pushes against the west up getting dislodged and cracked mainly because face will translate the load all the way to the of the amount of horizontal movement induced east—where there is cracked and missing stone by the earthquake. in the flying buttresses—putting the buttress how do you secure the stone on into compression. As long as that stays constant, topca of the central tower? those loose stones and cracks shouldn’t present a problem. The biggest worry would be another tung The intermediate finials were initially tied seismic event of similar magnitude.

12 cathedral age can the cathedral be how long might the that we physically can’t get to. We know “earthquakeca proofed?” scaffoldingca remain? it’s there, but we just can’t physically tung That is a tough question. There tung It’s being designed to stay in access it. We’ve seen issues like that are ways to earthquake-proof unrein- place for an extended period of time if all around the building, and that’s a big forced masonry buildings, but people necessary. I think a lot of what’s going reason why we plan on keeping the se- usually don’t like the solutions (to add to dictate how long is going to be avail- curity barrier up. We need a clear space reinforcing to many walls). As for the able funding to do the actual repairs. around the majority of the building, and pinnacles, we still have to get to them Each individual piece of stone is unique we need to provide overhead protection and take them apart to figure out how and hand carved, and there are a fair (through our netting and cover walk- to put them back together. Our hope amount of pieces that simply have to be ways) in case a piece of stone ever falls. is to reinstall them with more dowels replicated. and connectors to hold the individual It’s going to be a stone pieces together more securely— time-consuming and have no one the wiser that there’s process: Joe reinforcement in there that keeps them Alonso has stable. We want it all to look exactly the said that for the same as it did before the earthquake. west towers, how does the timeline look? they generally ca tung It’s primarily focused on stabiliz- fabricated stones ing the components that could pose a two to three years fall hazard. Right now the focus is the prior to erecting central tower, because one of the goals them. I hope we is to open the Cathedral to the public. can do a little We’ll have folks rappel off the west better than that, towers—a rope survey like at the Wash- but I think a lot ington Monument—and go over every of is going to be inch of the building making sure that funding-driven. there are no loose stones that would It’s going to be a pose a danger to the public as potential costly effort to do overhead hazards. all these repairs for the central tower Addressing the pinnacles along the alone. We’ll also buttresses on the north, south, and east have to address sides of the building is obviously going each buttress. to take longer because of access issues. There’s a security barrier completely sur- what is ca rounding the Cathedral now, which will the biggest challenge? stay in place during work to prevent the worst-case scenario: if a stone falls, we tung Access is want to make sure that no one is injured. the hardest thing We’ll continue to restrict public access to about this project. the outside of the building on the north, There’s a gargoyle south, and east sides until we can ac- head hanging off a cess those finials and either temporarily small copper pipe remove them or stabilize them in place.

special 2011 13 every piece has

its purpose intermediate pinnacles

gothic architecture Washington National Cathedral may be one of the last great churches to use the labor-intensive building techniques of the Gothic style of architecture. Gothic architecture

originated in twelfth-century Europe two intermediate and incorporated dramatic innovations pinnacles on the west in building structure, techinique, and towers twisted materials. Light and space became and shifted essential elements of the interior design. The key element of Gothic architecture is the pointed arch, which Children’s Chapel. Such elements permitted the building of higher walls enabled Gothic cathedrals to be and wider aisles. constructed to greater heights than ever before, with thinner walls and tall Not only was the Cathedral built in the stained glass windows. Gothic style, but it was also engineered and constructed in techniques flying buttresses keeping with the style. Using only The flying buttress is strongly solid masonry, no steel reinforces any associated with Gothic church part of the building, and nothing was architecture. The buttreses resist mass-produced. The stability of the the force pushing a wall outward by architecture is maintained by the force redirecting it to the ground, resisting of gravity: the weight of the building, the outward push of the interior and the various elements of the arches and vaulted ceiling. Flying buttress or small turret, but afterward building—buttresses, pinnacles, arches, buttresses “fly” because the buttress used on parapets at the corners of vaulting—push against each other to is not in contact with the wall all the towers and in many other situations. keep the building intact and upright. way to the ground; the lateral forces The pinnacle looks like a small spire. In addition to adding to the loftiness interior vaulting are transmitted across an intervening space. Flying buttress have two key and verticality of the structure, the A major architectural feature was the parts: a massive vertical masonry block pinnacles are very heavy and enable vaulted ceiling, which transmitted the on the outside of the building and an the flying buttresses to counteract weight of the roof and walls across arch bridging the gap between that the weight of the vaults and roof. By delicate ribs and down the heavy buttress and the wall. adding compressive stress (a result trunks of stone piers. The Cathedral of the pinnacle weight), the building’s pinnacles displays a range of vault styles, from load is shifted downward rather than simple barrel and groin vaults in the A pinnacle is an architectural ornament sideways. crypt to elaborate fan vaulting in originally forming the cap or crown of a

main image a pre-earthquake photo of the south side of the cathedral photo r. laut- man; other photos j. alonso, m. mcnamara, 14 cathedral age c.a. seferlis, c. stapert, j. struhldreher the 8 intermediate pinnacles of the central tower are twisted, shifted, and suffered damage to their ornametal carvings; a finial broken from an intermediate pinnacle intermediate fell and pierced the pinnacles grand north transept roof pinnacles

the flying buttresses of the apse cracked a stone falling from the transept gargoyle pinnacle decapitated transept this gargoyle pinnacle

flying buttresses

buttress buttress pinnacle pinnacle

buttress pinnacle buttress pinnacles along the nave, crockets and finials transepts, and the apse suffered similar Finials are the topmost portion of a damage; several lost pinnacle, often sculpted as a leaf-like their finials, shown ornament with an upright stem and here in a rain gutter a cluster of crockets. Crockets are gargoyles, and the angel on the cover, projected pieces of carved stone that also help keep water off the vertical decorate the sloping ridges of pinnacles. surfaces of the walls. Gargoyles are The carved shapes of these elements actually overflow rain gutters, with help move rainwater down while pipes running through their bodies keeping the water from the roof or walls. and out their mouths. In the case of grotesque carvings, the rain runs along ornamental carvings a projecting part—such as a nose or Exterior ornamental carvings, including wing—and drips off and away from the grotesques such as Darth Vader, wall.

special 2011 15 crocket The top four grand pinnacles of central tower the central “Gloria in Excelsis” tower rotated in the quake. These are large stone structures (more than 40' tall, and weigh- ing approximately 50 tons each) that rest atop the four corners of the central tower. Each pinnacle is topped by a four-foot-tall finial grand finial that weighs about grand pinnacle 500 pounds. Three of the four grand finials fell off from the grand pinnacles to the tower’s roof and the top five layers (or courses) of multi-crocket stones were shaken badly and are either leaning or have broken auxiliary open. A total of 45 of these im- pinnacle mense stones must be imme- diately removed in order to sta- bilze the pinnacles. It can then be determined which stones can be salvaged and reused, which can be repaired, and which will have to be replaced. On the base of each of the grand pinnacles are four auxiliary pin- nacles. These are the smallest intermediate of the central tower pinnacles, pinnacle (about 8' tall) and broke free of the grand pinnacle during the quake. They are now leaning and will have to be dismantled to replace the courses of stone that were cracked. There are also eight intermediate pinnacles that sit between the grand pinnacles on the balus- trade. These rotated or shifted

auxiliary off their bases during the quake. pinnacle Although most of the courses of stone are undamaged, they also have to be dismantled to gain access to the broken lower top courses. fallen three multi- finial right cathedral stone carver sean crocket callahan inspects the earthquake stones damage, august 23, 2011 photo j. alonso 16 cathedral age inset damage to auxiliary pinnacles photo c.stapert transepts

The southwest pinnacle of the A piece of stone south transept rotated several dislodged from the inches, and there is significant southwest pinnacle cracking throughout. The entire of the south transept southwest corner of the south struck this gargoyle transept will need to be scaffolded and “decapitated” it. to encase the damaged pinnacle to The head is currently make the area safe. Then the pin- held in place only by nacle can be examined to deter- the drainpipe that mine the full extent of the damage. runs through the The outer flying buttress pinnacles gargoyle. Because of the transepts have had their top of its location, the three courses, including the finials, loose head cannot be shift off their bases several inches. retrieved. These courses of stone need to be removed to keep them from falling. In the photo to the right, beyond the gargoyle, the top portion of a buttress pinnacle were dislodged by the earthquake and has slid several inches to the northwest.

above the southwest pinnacle of the south transept photo c.a. seferlis right damage to a gargoyle and transept pinnacle buttress photo c. stapert special 2011 17 flying buttresses The six freestanding flying buttresses of the apse swayed or moved during the quake, causing the flying buttress arches to stretch and move, resulting in cracking and separation of stones from one another where the lateral flyer meets the vertical buttress. The buttresses will have to be shored up before scaffolding can be built to further inspect the damage. There has also been rotation and movement along almost every exte- rior pinnacle on the Cathedral—re- sulting in hundreds of spalled corners, cracks, and fallen crockets and finials that will have to be re-carved and installed. The final tally is not yet in.

left and above cracks in the apse flying buttresses; photos washington post, c.a. seferlis

18 cathedral age above the mlk memorial interfaith Faithful Support dedication service held at the basilica of the Members of faith communities locally in Wash- the historic parish in New York City. The Very Rev. national shrine ington, across the country, and even as far as New Jacob W. Owensby, dean of St. Mark’s Cathedral, of the immaculate Zealand have rallied around Washington National sent $5,000 on behalf of the people of the Episcopal conception photo d. marks Cathedral in its time of need. In the first gesture cathedral in Shreveport, La. Locally in the D.C. area, of a faith community’s financial support, Cardinal the Rev. Janet Vincent, rector of St. Columba’s Epis- Donald Wuerl sent a check for $25,000 on behalf of copal Church, notified the Cathedral leadership of the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington to help its vestry’s $5,000 gift, while the Virginia Theologi- toward the costs of restoration. cal Seminary sent $1,000 in support. “It was with both shock and sadness that I learned Perhaps the most poignant contribution came from of the damage sustained by Washington National Christchurch Cathedral, New Zealand, whose dean, Cathedral,” said Cardinal Donald Wuerl. “The Na- the Very Rev. Peter Beck, wrote, “We have suffered tional Cathedral holds a special place in the hearts very significant damage to our cathedral, and in of all of us in Washington. So many recognize it as a solidarity with your good selves, the dean and Chap- national house of prayer, and indeed its magnificent ter at our meeting this afternoon, agreed to send a Gothic towers are a reminder of our constant need donation of $500 as a small gesture of our care and to raise our hearts in prayer to God in the midst of concern, and to let you know that you are held in our all of our daily preoccupations.” prayers here in Christchurch.” The Anglican cathe- Meanwhile, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, dral in Christchurch, New Zealand, sustained signifi- presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, notified cant damage following a magnitude 6.3 earthquake the Cathedral of the national church’s formal finan- on February 22, 2011. cial gift of $10,000 and said in a statement, “I urge Finally, a donation of $300 was sent from the First your prayers for all who visit, learn, and worship Congregational Church in Columbus, Ohio, on be- in the Episcopal Church’s and the nation’s central half of its church choir, which visited the Cathedral cathedral. This worship space has been the site for and sang at services in August as a guest choir. “The presidential inaugural services and funerals, prayer Cathedral and staff have been in our thoughts and services following national tragedies, and continues prayers, and we wish you God’s blessing as you go to be a house of prayer for all people.” about restoring this magnificent place of worship to The Rev. Dr. James Herbert Cooper, rector of Trinity the glory of God,” said Martha Worth, the church’s Wall Street, sent a $5,000 donation on behalf of program manager. special 2011 19 Faithful in Worship A Cathedral on the Move

Although the Cathedral building Before being postponed by the threat undergirded by the light of Christ, to shine forth itself has been closed following the of Hurricane Irene, August 27 was to a broken and hurting world. August 23 earthquake, its worship originally intended to be the dedication Sunday, September 11, marked the life continued through the Cathedral date for the Dr. Martin Luther King, final day of A Call to Compassion—the clergy and worshiping community— Jr., National Memorial; an interfaith Cathedral’s three-day commemoration and outstanding offers of hospitality memorial service, moved the event to of the tragic events of September from the local community. the Roman Catholic Basilica of the 11, 2001. Washington Hebrew Led by the Rev. Canon Jan Naylor National Shrine of the Immaculate Congregation hosted the Cathedral’s Cope, vicar, the congregation consists Conception, would have been held at interfaith prayer vigil on the morning of more than 1,000 individuals who the Cathedral on August 26. In her of September 11, a special and very call the Cathedral their personal sermon the following day, Vicar Jan fitting Sunday Forum on compassion spiritual home. Few if any buildings Naylor Cope focused on the inspiration with author Karen Armstrong, and the available on the Cathedral grounds that she drew from Dr. King: Cathedral’s commemorative service of can house a body of worshipers this We have a legacy, we have a call and a Holy Eucharist. A full feature detailing large without significant advance purpose. We’re also going to have the events for A Call notice, and few if any local churches some challenging days ahead. But like to Compassion will can accommodate such a sizable group Martin Luther King, our faith and appear in the next on Sunday morning. Washington our determination are what ground us. issue of Cathedral Age. Hebrew Congregation, a synagogue And I know that we are prepared to be Offers of assistance not far from the Cathedral, provided steady and steadfast, working together to continue to an ideal solution. Washington Hebrew meet those challenges, to shore back up pour in from the Congregation is led by Rabbi Bruce our beloved Cathedral to be the spiritual community. Thanks Lustig, a longstanding Cathedral home for the nation. We have important to the hospitality of friend. Rabbi Lustig served as a leading work to do, important questions to raise National Cathedral “first responder” for the Washington- and address: elbow to elbow, shoulder to School for Girls, area Jewish Community following 9/11, shoulder, we will work together. Cathedral worship established the very first Abrahamic The larger portion of our foundation services have been Summit in Washington, and sits as a stone is rock that was quarried in Bethlehem: the transferred to the Agnes Cochran founding member of the Abrahamic place where our Lord and Savior was born, and Underwood Athletic Center at ncs Roundtable housed at the Cathedral. walked, and moved, and had his being. Embedded since Sunday, September 25; worship The Cathedral congregation met at in that stone is American granite, which for will take place there all subsequent Washington Hebrew Congregation on me symbolizes our grit and determination as Sundays before reopening. four occasions: August 27, September Americans to stand tall, to stand steady, and 4, September 11, and September 18. move forward—and do what we need to do,

above the september 11 eucharist service held at washington hebrew congregation below cathedral vicar jan naylor cope 20 cathedral age photos d. marks ( a 9 call to “the glory of this build present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,” says the lord almighty. “and in this place i will grant peace.” —haggai 2:9

Roster of Angels Since 1912, the Cathedral has been a spiritual home for our country in times of celebration and crisis, a national place of worship, and a host for both presidential inaugural services and state funerals. it takes more than...language to be developed. To continue in this role, please make a gift to repair the damage and restore this national treasure. Pledges of $1,000 or more to the Cathedral restoration effort will be listed in future issue of Cathedral Age at the following levels: $1,000–$9,999 $10,000–$49,999 $50,000–$99,999 $100,000–$499,999 $500,000–$999,999 $1 million and above

special 2011 21 (mailing panel)

thank you!

We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from our friends since the earthquake on August 23—especially by friends across the country and around the world who have reached out via Facebook, Twitter, and our website:

“God Bless all associated with the National Cathedral. Prayers and thoughts for all who grace its doors and hallways. Employees, workers, guest! I pray the nation rises up to help and restore this beautiful church of the nation!” —tom alexander

“Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you begin the repairing of our National Cathedral.” —cindy mcneil

“Here in New Zealand, thinking of you in particular this morning as we woke to the news and heard about Cathedral damage.”—susan steers baldwin

To see more photos of the damage, to learn more about the stabilization process, to watch video of Mason Foreman Joe Alonso, and to contribute to our restoration efforts, please visit the Cathedral website. www.nationalcathedral.org facebook.com/wncathedral Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW Washington, DC 20016-5098 twitter.com/wncathedral (202) 537-6200 www.nationalcathedral.org