Tweets will be added to this post throughout the day.
From @washingtonpost: 10 years after the 2011 earthquake, @WNCathedral has reached the half-way mark:https://t.co/4J1J0RJt8w
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 23, 2021
"We've been shaken, but not broken."
Today is the 10th anniversary of the 2011 earthquake the shook the eastern United States. Canon Vicar takes us outside for this special service of Morning Prayer and Reflection.#MorningPrayer #NationalCathedralhttps://t.co/qRdv7lyZkN
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 23, 2021
Today is the 10th anniversary of the 5.3 magnitude earthquake that rocked DC area. Throughout the day, we'll post pictures of the damage we sustained.
Learn more about the #CathedralEarthquake and make a gift to support preservation at https://t.co/vIYaqcq0Ad
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 23, 2021
Up first are the grand pinnacles, located atop the central tower. All four were heavily damaged as shockwaves from the earthquake traveled up from the ground and released their energy at these highest points on the Cathedral.https://t.co/vIYaqcq0Ad#CathedralEarthquake pic.twitter.com/ZMRqGehuKZ
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 23, 2021
The grand pinnacles of the transepts suffered heavy damage. The south transept damage is among the worst the Cathedral sustained. These pinnacles have been partially disassembled and stabilized until the work can be undertaken. https://t.co/vIYaqcq0Ad#CathedralEarthquake pic.twitter.com/WpoNycCBtT
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 23, 2021
Flying buttresses are a staple of Gothic architecture. The six flying buttresses on the east end of the Cathedral suffered significant damage. Repair work is complete and included “pinning” stones together to provide stability in case of another earthquake. #CathedralEarthquake pic.twitter.com/jyNPupc0Hs
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 23, 2021
Similar to a flying buttress, an engaged buttress supports the high vertical masonry wall of the Cathedral. These buttresses were only slightly damaged at the pinnacles. Repair of the nave engaged buttresses is the next phase of earthquake restoration work.#CathedralEarthquake pic.twitter.com/e2LOLAdK99
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 23, 2021
The earthquake caused some of these intermediate pinnacles on the west tower to twist at their base. These pinnacles have been repaired.
Learn more about the #CathedralEarthquake and make a gift to support preservation at https://t.co/vIYaqcq0Ad pic.twitter.com/J57vbU7OjL
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 23, 2021
The delicate spires that circle grand pinnacles are called secondary pinnacles. On the north transept, several of these slender pinnacles cracked and fell. These stones have been repaired, stabilized, and in some cases, replaced with freshly carved stones.#CathedralEarthquake pic.twitter.com/usEyxsxhWb
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 23, 2021
Finials are the distinctive ornamental “pineapple” that cap a pinnacle. Many finials rotated as a result of the earthquake.
Learn more about the #CathedralEarthquake and make a gift to support preservation at https://t.co/vIYaqcq0Ad pic.twitter.com/WUe2KDc3O2
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 23, 2021
Only one gargoyle was damaged during the earthquake. Because the stone of the gargoyle extends several feet into the exterior wall, there are no plans to repair or replace the gargoyle at this time.
Learn more about the #CathedralEarthquake at https://t.co/vIYaqcq0Ad pic.twitter.com/pxKXFMHA2L
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 24, 2021
Crockets are small carved ornaments, typically a bud or curled leaf, on the inclined side of a pinnacle or gablet to help keep rainwater off the walls. Numerous crockets cracked and fell off the building.
Learn more about the #CathedralEarthquake at https://t.co/vIYaqcq0Ad pic.twitter.com/HdeukaKMxr
— Washington National Cathedral (@WNCathedral) August 24, 2021