National Cathedral Releases Photos of Earthquake Damage
After sustaining substantial damage during the earthquake Tuesday, the National Cathedral is closed Aug. 24
Photos
The National Cathedral sustained serious damage from Tuesday's 5.8 magnitude earthquake. Experts are assessing the building damage—both structurally and aesthetically.
The building, which sits on the highest point in Washington, D.C., lost a pinnacle from its central tower (see photograph), and stones fell from three of the tower's four pinnacles, said Richard Weinberg, a spokesman for the cathedral, as reported by Bloomberg.
Even more, the entire tower appeared to be leaning, Weinberg said in a telephone interview with Bloomberg.
The Cathedral has a campaign on its website to raise funds for necessary restoration. You can donate here.
John N. Maclean
10:10 am on Wednesday, August 24, 2011
The National Cathedral is not the highest point in Washington. That distinction belongs to a spot farther north, marked by a plaque, near the site of old Ft. Reno.
Jacques
10:39 am on Wednesday, August 24, 2011
I know that Ft. Reno marks the highest ground elevation in DC, but is it higher than the top of the Cathedral?
Shaun Courtney
11:15 am on Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Thanks for your comments. According to the National Park Service, the top of the Cathedral's tower is the highest point in DC. http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/wash/dc5.htm
Neil Ward
12:00 pm on Wednesday, August 24, 2011
So the National Cathedral does not SIT on the highest point in Washington; its tallest spire purports to BE the highest point in Washington. I wonder if the Park Service is positive that the highest point of the Cathedral really exceeds the tips of the communications towers mounted at Fort Reno.