A San Francisco sacred space / Grace Cathedral turns 50 this week. |
How does one define beautiful architecture?
"Space has always been the spiritual dimension of architecture," the 20th century Canadian architect and urban planner Arthur Erickson once said. "It is not the physical statement of the structure so much as what it contains that moves us."
Grace Cathedral is the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the United States. |
That space is Grace Cathedral, a place to explore; a place to go deeper in one's faith. It is the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the nation, and this week, Grace Cathedral turns 50.
Each time I climb the staircase that frames the cathedral's entrance on Taylor Street and enter this sacred space, I am moved by the beauty of the cathedral's French Gothic architecture, designed by Lewis P. Hobart; the Ghiberti Doors that are opened for special occasions; and the vaulted ceiling arches. There is much to admire in this exalted sacred space -- and photograph, too.
The Keith Haring AIDS Chapel altarpiece. |
There's the historical aisle murals that were painted by Polish painter Jan Henryk De Rosen between 1949-1950 and composed in a style blending the stylistic elements of early Italian masters Giotto and Mantegna.
And, there's the Keith Haring AIDS Chapel altarpiece.
Colorful prism-like colors beam through the stained-glass windows onto the indoor labyrinth at Grace Cathedral. |
I enjoy worshiping at Grace Cathedral, absorbed by its sacred space, which is defined by the beauty of its art, including its medieval and contemporary furnishings. There's also the echoing sound of the majestic Æolian-Skinner pipe organ; the 44 bell carillon, and the harmonious voices of the Choir of Men and Boys.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu. |
And, they are always thought provoking, too.
Marcel Proust wrote how "Love is space and time measured by the heart."
In Grace Cathedral, a house of prayer for everyone, I find solace here each time I visit.
And I know God's generous love awaits me.
To learn more about Grace Cathedral:
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