The National CathedrAL

The National Cathedral, officially the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, is designated the national non-denominational house of prayer of the United States. Concurrently, the cathedral is also the official seat of both the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, USA and the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. The Architecture is Gothic and it was completed on 29 September 1990 after almost a century of planning and 83 years in construction. It's built on the highest point of Washington DC. It's the 6th largest cathedral in the world and 2nd largest in the USA. One of the more recent additions was a grotesque, a bust of Darth Vader from the Star Wars films! Anyone can visit the Cathedral or worship there. On the grounds there is some parking, Two gardens including the Bishops Garden, a Statue of George Washington, a Herbal Cottage (gift shop), 4 schools and housing for officials. The Rose Window is renown. HOURS: Sunday: 8 am–6:30 pm; Tours 12:45–2:30 pm; Store 9:30 am–5 pm Monday–Friday 10 am–5:30 pm; Tours 10–11:30 am; 12:45–3:30 pm On Mondays & Wednesdays,
when there's an organ demonstration scheduled, afternoon tours are offered from approx. 1:15–3:30 pm. Store; 9:30 am–5 pm. Saturday 10 am–4:30 pm; Tours 10–11:30 am; 12:45–3:30 pm; Store 9:30 am–5 pm No tours on Palm Sunday, Easter, Thanksgiving, Dec 25, or during services. ADDRESS: Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, N.W. COSTS: Free to all but suggested donation is $3 for adults. PARKING: Tough; you'll have to check nearby streets and probably use a parking meter; they are building a parking complex now though. SHOPPING: Gift Shop inside the church, Herbal Cottage on grounds is a gift shop and a nursery where you can purchase plants. RESTROOMS: I am sure there are some inside, but I didn't see any for public use. FOOD AND BEVERAGES: None allowed. I didn't even see a water fountain. SPECIAL NOTES: Be respectful and quiet in the building. People could be in service or in prayer. Dress doesn't matter but respectable dress is recommended...food and beverages as well as smoking is not allowed. Dress accordingly and wear comfortable shoes for viewing the gardens.

More than 150 people are interred, here's a list of some of famous people buried here:

George Dewey (1837-1917); known for defeating the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay April 30, 1898 during the Spanish-America War. Promoted to Rear Admiral in March 1899 and then to special rank of Admiral of the Navy.

Philip Hubert Frohman (?-1972) American architect - Designed the National Cathedral.

Cordell Hull (1871-1955) of Carthage, Tenn. Chair of the DNC, 1921-24;US Senator from Tennessee, 1931-33; US Secretary of State 1933-44 (record for longest holder of that position). Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945. FDR called him "Father of UN"

Helen Keller (1880-1968) and her teacher Anne (Joanna) Macy Sullivan, (1866-1936)

Frank Billings Kellogg (1856-1937) US Senator from Minnesota 1917-1923; US Ambassador to Great Britain, 1923-1925; Secretary of State under President Coolidge, 1925-1929; coauthor of Kellogg-Briand Peace Pact,1928; Nobel Peace Prize in 1930.

Almer Stillwell Mike Monroney (1902-1980) Okla. US Representative from Oklahoma 1939-1951, U.S. Senator - Oklahoma, 1951-1969.

Norman Prince (1887-1916) WW I Flying Ace. One of founders of Lafayette Escadrille, comprised of American volunteers who flew with the French Air Service in WW I. Credited with 4 confirmed victories over German aircraft. Initially interred at Luxeuil, his remains were placed in Lafayette Escadrille Memorial tomb at St. Cloud, near Paris. In 1937 his father had him moved to National Cathedral.

Satterlee, Henry Yates (1843-1908) Religious Leader served as 1st Bishop of Washington, D.C. 1895 till his death in 1908. Participated in construction of Cathedral.

Francis Bowes Sayre (1885-1972) US Diplomat. Served as High Commissioner to the Philippines 1929-1942 and a Delegate to UN following WW II. In 1913 he married Jesse Wilson, daughter of President Woodrow Wilson.

William Stuart Symington (1901-1988) Assistant Secretary of War for Air 1946-1947; first Secretary of the Air Force 1947-1950; US Senator from Missouri 1953-1976.

Thomas Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) elected 28th US President 1912 - 1921. He was a strong advocate of anti-trust laws and voting rights for women. He defended position of neutrality in WWI, but forced to declare war on Germany. He's best known for his "Fourteen Points". Won Nobel Peace Prize in 1919.

Wilson, Edith (1872-1961) President Wilson's 2nd wife, served as First Lady from December 18, 1915 - March 4, 1921. She's buried in the crypt below her husband.

Left to Right: 1) Cathedral from Bishops Garden, 2) Closer view from one side looking up 3) Front of Cathedral/Rose Window 4) Bishops Garden 5) Herb Cottage 6) Statue of George Washington on a horse

Left to Right: 1) Antique Armoire 2) Mosaic 3) Another Mosaic 4) Sarcophagus 5) Mosaics/Chapel 6) Vaulted ceilings