WASHINGTON, DC: Cathedral's 'dreamers and believers' celebrated in new exhibit

June 19, 2007 [Washington National Cathedral] The little-known stories of the people who "built" Washington National Cathedral come to life in an exhibit which describes the accounts of its visionaries, donors, artists, workers and leaders.

"Dreamers and Believers: Cathedral Builders" celebrates the centennial of laying the Cathedral's foundation stone in 1907 -- an event that set into motion a project spanning more than eight decades.

But the exhibition is about people -- those who designed the cathedral, who constructed it, who embellished it and who gave their money, time, talent and leadership. Some became epic figures in the cathedral's history. Some were people of affluence and influence, but most were ordinary people -- laborers who mixed mortar, carpenters who built scaffolding, volunteers who planned gardens, women who stitched needlepoint and thousands who gave to the building fund. Some spent their entire careers, or nearly so, building the cathedral. Others never even saw it in person.

Through rich and compelling images, stories and objects the exhibit tells the stories of people whose faith, passion and skills created a sacred gathering place for people of all faiths in the nation's capital. Two short videos enhance the exhibit.

The exhibit opens June 19 in the Cathedral's Rare Book Library located off the west front entrance (Wisconsin Avenue side). It runs through October 2008. Parking is available in the Cathedral's new underground parking garage accessed from Wisconsin Avenue at the traffic light south of Woodley Road.

More information about the Cathedral and Centennial Events is available here.

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