The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, located on the Upper West Side of New York, is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Despite its construction beginning in 1892, the cathedral remains unfinished. The original design was Romanesque Revival and Byzantine Revival, but it transitioned to a Gothic Revival style under the direction of Ralph Adams Cram in 1911.
The cathedral covers 121,000 square feet, with a length of 601 feet and a nave height of 124 feet. It is often referred to as "St. John the Unfinished" due to its incomplete state. The cathedral is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.
One of the hidden gems within the cathedral is the Poet's Corner, modeled after Westminster Abbey, which honors American writers such as Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson. Another intriguing feature is the Peace Fountain, designed by Greg Wyatt, which juxtaposes the struggle between good and evil through various symbolic elements including sunflowers, giraffes, and a crab.
The Cathedral Close is an 11.3-acre campus that includes the Cathedral School of St. John the Divine and the St. Luke's Hospital Center. This area also features the Biblical Garden, which contains plants mentioned in the Bible.
The cathedral is renowned for its impressive stained glass windows, including the Great Rose Window, one of the largest in the United States, containing over 10,000 pieces of glass. The Guastavino tile work in the nave ceiling is another architectural marvel, highlighting the innovative construction techniques used.
Throughout its history, the cathedral has hosted a variety of events, from concerts to art exhibitions. Notably, it was the site of the memorial service for John Lennon in 1980. The cathedral also serves as a shelter and provides community services, demonstrating its commitment to social justice.
The cathedral's organ, built by Aeolian-Skinner, is one of the most significant in the country, featuring 8,514 pipes. The annual Blessing of the Animals service in October is a unique tradition where pets are blessed in honor of St. Francis of Assisi.
Despite ongoing construction and restoration, the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine remains a vibrant center of worship, culture, and community, reflecting the diverse and dynamic spirit of New York City.