Lincoln Museums/Attractions

[Angela]

is it a real "functional" church then at all?

It IS - and it is a most gorgeous one.
I know a lady who went to service there on sundays in her childhood - she said she had the best time.

I'd totally suggest a visit if you get to Washington again - it is quite a hike up a hill when you take the train and not a cab (recommended, at least in July...) but it is a visit so very worth it!

[L Verge]

Now, ya done gone and done it -- you mentioned a favorite of mine. The National Cathedral, or more properly known as the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul of the Diocese of Washington.

First, the National Cathedral is not a Catholic Church. It is billed as the "nation's church," but it actually is an Episcopal Church. It took decades to build in the 1900s (chartered in 1893, with construction beginning in 1907 and basically completed in 1990) and then was damaged during our earthquake in 2011. Architecturally, it is beautiful and reminiscent of the grand 14th-century Gothic cathedrals of Europe. It also has many nooks and crannies and things to discover that trace important events as well as fun things. One of my favorites is the piece of moon rock that forms the center of a magnificent stained glass window. The American Institute of Architects ranks it #3 on the list of America's Favorite Architecture.

It is the 6th largest cathedral in the world and the 2nd largest in the U.S. It sits on the highest point of land in D.C.

There is no Lincoln pew in the Cathedral since the building did not exist in his time. That pew is in the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in D.C. (which also is not original to Lincoln's era and is better known for its dynamic minister of the 1950s, Peter Marshal - A Man Named Peter, ring a bell with anyone?)

As far as being "functional," there are services held at the Cathedral every day of the week every month of the year at the main altar or in some of the side chapels. It is also the church reserved for State Funerals should a family request it. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached his last Sunday sermon there on March 31, 1968. His funeral was held there about a week afterwards. Eisenhower, Reagan, and Ford all had State Funerals at the Cathedral, and five other Presidents had memorial services there.

You can also be buried (or ashes placed) there. Some of the famous include: Thomas John Clagett, first Anglican (Episcopal) Bishop consecrated in America; Admiral George Dewey; U.S. Grant's granddaughter; Cordell Hull, Secretary of State; Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan (ashes); Stuart Symington; Woodrow Wilson and his second wife, Edith. BTW: Wilson is the only President buried in Washington, D.C.

Please google Washington National Cathedral for more, including some wonderful photos on Wiki.

[Eva Elisabeth]

I would have loved to see...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washingt..._Cathedral

[LincolnMan]

Just discovered that the Detroit Institute of Arts has a Lincoln statue! How did I miss that! Amyway, I paid a visit last Friday. The DIA is a world renowned museum if you are ever in the Detroit area.

[Thomas Kearney]

In response to hearing the news from Roger about the portrait of Washington at Ford's Theater, I inquired with collections manager Heather Hoagland via Twitter and here is what she wrote me back:

https://twitter.com/Tek2012Tek/status/70...1530446848

Hope this helps.

[LincolnMan]

And if you do visit the Detroit Institute of Arts- make sure you go directly across the street (Woodward Ave.) to see the Lincoln statue housed in the Archive Room at the Burton Library. It is magnificiant.

[RJNorton]

And if you do visit the Detroit Institute of Arts- make sure you go directly across the street (Woodward Ave.) to see the Lincoln statue housed in the Archive Room at the Burton Library. It is magnificiant.

Thanks, Bill. And for those who are not planning on going to Detroit in the near future I found some photos on Bill's website. Please go here:

http://abesblogcabin.org/pictures-of-the...ry-detroit

[LincolnMan]

Thanks Roger. As you know, I have taken a break from my Lincoln blog due to health reasons. I'm happy to report that my health is improving- I'm recovering! I have kept the blog open- and I hope to start making new postings again.

[RJNorton]

I'm happy to report that my health is improving- I'm recovering! I have kept the blog open- and I hope to start making new postings again.

Bill, that is wonderful to hear!

[Gene C]

Glad to here you're better. Stay healthy, the October Springfield Tour 2016 will be here before you know it

[Anita]

Great news Bill. Will be looking for your posts.

[Eva Elisabeth]

I absolutely second the others, Bill!!!

[LincolnMan]

Thanks everyone! I have been very active in making Lincoln posts on Face Book.

[jreagon]

Thanks, Maddie! I have read that Lincoln had three moles on his face, one on right side and two on left. I am very familiar with seeing the one on the right side but am hard pressed to think of a Lincoln photo where the ones on the left show clearly. Can anyone think of such a photo?

Roger;
I think the photo on page 101 of, LINCOLN - An Illustrated Biography - by the Kuhnhardts best shows the left and right side moles. He had no beard as yet, and it clearly shows them, along with a scar on the left side, below the lower lip.
I have not scanned the photo, or would post it for you.
Jerry Eagon

[RJNorton]

Thanks, Jerry. Is this the one? I cannot get the image quality as good as the one in the book. I am curious about the scar. I have read he had a scar over his eye due to an 1828 fight. Offhand I cannot think of the reason for a scar below the lip.