The Minnesota delegation to the North American Conference of Grand Masters had a private "Gargoyle Tour" of the Washington National Cathedral Saturday. Our guide was Andy Seferlis, son of Constantine Seferlis, who designed and executed sculptures at the Cathedral in the 1960's and 70's. He was a most informative and entertaining host.While construction was begun in 1907 and the Cathedral has been dedicated and consecrated, the work is far from complete. (By the way, the Gothic structure is intentionally off-kilter. There is only one right angle in the structure - the cornerstone laid in the northeast corner.)
Andy Serferlis told us the difference between gargoyles and grotesques. We saw the final resting place of the only U.S. President buried in the District of Columbia, Woodrow Wilson. The several chapels in the cathedral, the stained glass windows, the tapestry, the other works of art all serve to bring together a place for all Americans to worship and to celebrate the nation's heritage.
Many of the gargoyles and grotesques were specially commissed and display attributes of the donors. The tour was terrific and most informative! Thank you, Andy.
Shown standing in front of the Cathedral is Grand Secretary Doug Campbell, SGW Tom Hendrickson, PGM Tom Jackson, yours truly, and DGM John Cook.
