A rare East coast earthquake shook Washington in August 2011, and shook up the National Cathedral. The event rotated pinnacles, cracked limestone, and compromised buttresses, causing approximately $32 million worth of damage, according to the Anglican Communion News Service.
Following initial stabilization work, the cathedral opened 12 weeks after the quake, but repairs continue. Last week, the Cathedral announced the completion of Phase 1 of the repair program, and the removal of interior scaffolding. A celebration is planned for Eastertide.
There is still much work to be done – around 85% of the exterior repairs, according to the Cathedral statement. But for now, there is much to enjoy indoors.
The view of the fully restored nave is breathtaking, and all that the Cathedral does in this space has a feeling of openness and vitality—as well as improved acoustics and inspiration with the return of views of the clerestory windows and the boss stones, now cleaned for the first time ever.
Posted by Rosalind Hughes