This is super cool. A reader writes:
“This long for sale church in SW (Delaware Ave, SW and H St, SW) is getting a face lift from the Atlanta-based artist Hense. We stopped by to talk to the artists tonight — they were hard at work and said the church is going to look much different when it is done — in about a week. It looks interesting!”
Photo by PoPville flickr user pablo.raw
For this who live in/near Brookland:
The friars at the Franciscan Monastery invite their Brookland neighbors and their friends to bring their pets to the monastery Sunday, Sept. 30 at 1:30 p.m. for the annual Blessing of the Animals. The friars traditionally bless pets (large and small are welcome) on or near the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment, who was known for his life of simplicity and peace. Hope to see folks there! The monastery is located at 1400 Quincy Street, NE.
For those that live near the National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW):
Washington National Cathedral continues its annual tradition of blessing animals on October 7, 2012, in honor of the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi. St. Francis, the patron saint of animals, frequently preached to them in his ministry. The Cathedral will welcome special guests Lois Wye from the Washington Animal Rescue League, Lisa LaFontaine, President of Washington Humane Society and Victoria Strang from the Humane Society of the United States.
“The blessing of the animals is always a heartwarming and fun event for the community,” said Cathedral spokesman Richard Weinberg. “For many people a pet is a member of the family, and bringing a pet to church for a blessing is a unique opportunity that allows us to engage with our faith in a new and meaningful way. We are proud to carry on this tradition of blessing all members of God’s creation.”
All pets and their caretakers are invited to attend and participate. The Animal Rescue League will have a pet adoption van on site and the Humane Society will have some animals available for adoption for those looking to provide a home for an animal in need.
When: Sunday, October 7, at 2:30 pm EDT
Where: Walker Court on the West Front of the Cathedral along Wisconsin Ave.
Photo by PoPville flickr user mosley.brian
From a press release:
Washington National Cathedral’s central tower, the pinnacles of which sustained significant damage during the August earthquake, will be reopened to the public for one day on Saturday, March 24, continuing the tradition of the “tower climb.” Participants will be able to take advantage of a spectacular view of Washington from atop the highest geographic point in the city. While the Cathedral is still undergoing restoration – and will be for years to come – the central tower has been deemed to be structurally sound and safe for visitors. The tower climbs have been a semi-regular tradition for many years.
The 333 steps from the ground to the top of the tower take approximately 45 minutes to climb and is not for the faint of heart nor those with a fear of heights. In addition to the spectacular views, climbers will also get an up-close demonstration of the Cathedral’s peal bells by the Washington Ringing Society and of the Cathedral’s carillon by Cathedral carillonneur Edward Nassor. Participation for the public is by reservation only through the Cathedral’s website.
Tickets are available online for $18 each.
Photo by PoPville flickr user philliefan99
From a press release:
Six Months After Quake National Cathedral Still Needs More Than $18 Million for Earthquake Restoration Work
Cathedral announces $2 million raised for stabilization; annual giving ahead of projectionsWashington, D.C.—Washington National Cathedral announced today that in the last six months a total of $7 million was raised to support the Cathedral’s earthquake restoration and operations during recovery. A total of $2 million was successfully raised to cover the cost of the first phase of restoration—the stabilization of damaged stone and protective measures needed to reopen the Cathedral—and $5 million was raised to support the Cathedral’s ministries, programs, and operations. Of the total, more than $2.7 million was generated from two individual $500,000 challenge grants that were successfully matched and exceeded in December. This fundraising puts the Cathedral budget ahead on annual giving.
The repair work, which includes intricate stone carving and detailed masonry, and will require significant scaffolding and large cranes to access the damaged areas, could be completed in five years if sufficient funds are raised immediately. The total cost estimate for all phases of the stabilization and earthquake restoration work has risen to more than $20 million (from the original estimate of $15 million); $18 million more must be raised to complete this work.
The Cathedral still needs an additional $5 million to support its annual programs, consistent with its goal of $10 million for operations projected in August.“We thank the countless supporters who have contributed from every corner of the country, more than 3,500 for the first time and many more returning donors who were moved to increase their annual gifts to support our mission in this time of need,” said the Rev. Dr. Francis H. Wade, interim Cathedral dean. “We have a very long way to go, but this humbling generosity has allowed us to stabilize our building and return to our mission of serving as the spiritual home of the nation. As we look toward preserving this national treasure, we are reminded how truly national this Cathedral is through the support and prayers of people from across the country and around the world.”
The Cathedral sustained more damage than any other building in Washington as a result of the August 23, 2011, earthquake. The four main pinnacles (corner spires) on the central tower were damaged and have since been removed from the tower for repair. Cracks remain in the flying buttresses around the Cathedral’s east end, and numerous other smaller pinnacles also were damaged. Over the past six months, scaffolding was erected on the Cathedral’s exterior to stabilize damaged stone, and protective netting was installed inside the Cathedral to protect against any potential falling loose mortar.
The Cathedral’s stone carvers have obtained blocks of limestone from the original quarries in Indiana and are working behind the scenes to repair damaged stones and carve replacements.
To find out more about restoration and to donate to the ongoing preservation effort please visit www.dcquake.nationalcathedral.org
The Church at the corner of 13th and Irving St, NW seems to hit the market every year or so. We first looked at it back in Oct. 2008 when it was going for $2.5 million. Today it seems like a relative bargain listed at $1.2 million. For those who’ve been curious, you can see a few interior photos here.
Dear PoPville,
St Thomas Parish at 18th and Church, NW appears to be rebuilding their church that burned down by arson in the 1970s. The old Gothic structure was beautiful and was the church of many Washington elites, such as FDR. I am a former parishioner and think the new design is bold, modern, and will make a great addition to the neighborhood. Photos can be found at the link I provided.
For the past few decades, there has been a park on the former grounds, which is where the new structure will be built.
Wow, the renderings look wild:
Though they were originally posted in Feb. 2011 so I’m guessing they’re still in the fundraising stage?
The huge old church at 14th and Maryland Ave, NE looks like it may finally be getting fixed up. It had been for sale last I checked but just last weekend I noticed that the very early demo appears to have started. Though, I didn’t see any dumpsters so I’m not sure how far along the plans are. But the location and property are pretty amazing so it’ll be interesting to see how the renovations turn out. Anyone hear any news/scuttlebutt about who’s coming?
“Dear PoPville,
I live nearby and this just keeps running through my head every morning: why has no one cleaned up the rubble from the spire that partially crumbled during the earthquake on 8/24? Heck, if there was a dumpster bin nearby I would toss it in myself. Just seems odd.”
Checking it out on Saturday, it actually looks pretty unsafe:
I’ll alert DCRA Monday morning. But I do agree, it would be nice if the rubble was cleaned up as well.
Thanks to all who wrote in about this property hitting the market. Daryle writes:
“After four decades in the neighborhood, the pastor of the Beginning Church of God has put his large property at the corner of 13th and S on the market.
Many PoP readers may know Rev. Sutton (now in frail health, and living with family in the area) as a familiar face at the corner of 13th and S streets, where he would greet passersby most mornings throughout the year and without fail on on summer afternoons. Until his wife passed away in 2009, the reverend and his small congregation were also known for the rockin’ music that came from the church on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.
The physical condition of the three-story brick house on 13th Street (adjacent to one of Duke Ellington’s childhood homes) and adjoining church on S Street is very poor. There are numerous issues for a landlocked (no off-street parking) lot the sits at the intersection of two historic districts (Greater U Street and Greater 14th Street). But, the potential for a fine rehab at a fantastic corner is tremendous.”
Ed. Note: In the dozens of times I’ve walked past this property I could always count on a friendly smile from Rev. Sutton. He will be missed.
The flier for 1801 13th St NW says:
“ENTER AT OWN RISK, vacant property needs full rehab. OFFERS DUE MONDAY NOV. 7 by 5pm. Formerly used as 3 units, enter upper units on 13th street side. Enter main level unit from S street. Please conduct all inspections prior to offer submission.”
It’s going for $599,000.
From Pastor Karen Brau:
We celebrate today the gifts of Biblical Hospitality lived out in the life of St. Dorothy Day of New York. A woman who came to her faith in adulthood, St. Dorothy took the words of Jesus so seriously that she sought ways to live out Jesus’ love for all people, particularly the most vulnerable — the poor. St. Dorothy Day joined with Peter Maurin to begin the Catholic Worker Movement in the 1930’s, in New York City, resulting in Houses of Hospitality across the county. Today, we bless this door, giving thanks for this faithful woman who is known for her strong love and her argumentative style. For if she were here today, she would say, “Please don’t call me a saint, I don’t want to be dismissed so easily.”
Luther Place Memorial Church is located at 1226 Vermont Ave. NW, on Thomas Circle. You can see the two other doors here and here. The artist for all three doors is Amanda Weber.
