June 15 – St. Matthew’s Church (ONP #165)
Like a brown paper package that you unwrap to reveal a box full of the most elaborate jewels, that’s how it is to walk into the workaday red brick building of St. Matthew’s Church near Dupont Circle. This church is probably most famous in American history for being the place of John F. Kennedy’s funeral service.
I have walked by this church so many times, explored the alley behind it (St. Matthew’s Court–ONP, April 22), but never thought to explore inside until today when, downtown and looking for a New Place, I saw a tourist sign indicating St. Matthew’s, along with some other options. The door was open, and enticed by a New Place where I could also rest my feet, I strolled inside.
Mama mia! Wowie wow oh wow! I am not sure I have seen such a beautiful cathedral in the US–adorned in the Byzantine style, with elaborate gold-flinted mosaics, pink marble pillars and classic columns. Around every corner there is a new chapel and some glorious piece of art, not to mention the massive shiny gold wall of organ pipes which, along yesterday’s New Place (National Presbyterian–ONP, May 14) adds yet another organ to those I would like to hear played. Guess It’s organ week here at ONP
It was so lovely and cool in the cathedral, and because I had time, I just sat and rested and admired for a good 20 minutes or so, making me vaguely homesick for my travels in Italy where churches were the place you wandered into when you needed a break, to rest your feet, to get away from the crowds, to read your guidebook and strategize about that next New Place.
Hi! I’m Suzanne. I’ve committed to seeing One New Place every day for the year 2018! Join me and follow along with my daily adventures. Even better, try it for yourself–discover One New Place every day/week/month–whatever interval of time works for you!