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Grace Cathedral
Rating Details »
Categories: Churches, Elementary Schools, Middle Schools & High Schools
Neighborhood: Nob Hill1100 California St
(between Taylor St & Jones St)
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 749-6300
- Hours:
Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
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106 reviews for Grace Cathedral
Ahh...
Calm, relaxing, beautiful and necessary if you've just walked up from the Tenderloin.
I could do the labyrinth walk all day long.
When I miss Paris, I sometime come here even when I am by myself.
It is Thanksgiving Day today and I needed to go out.
I cannot just keep eating.
So I walked to the top of Nob Hill.
It has French Gothic Style, the same style as that of the famous church in Paris that everybody knows.
I came here to look for "Einstein Window" today.
I have heard it but I failed to find it last 2 times.
The window has Einstein's famous formula.
After the 40 minutes of search, I finally found it.
I was too close to the wall. You cannot see it if you are too close.
So I took a picture of it.
This Cathedral has many things to see, such as AIDS Interfaith with the altarpiece created by Keith Haring just before he died of AIDS, Chapel and Murals, Rose Window, "The gift" window, and the The stained glass given by Chartres in France.
When you come here next time, I recommend that you take a Visitor Guide inside of the church. You will learn many things that you did not know.
Grace Cathedral was a stop on my minibus tour of San Francisco. I must admit that it wasn't on my radar to visit it and the steep hill to get up to it probably meant that I would have been unlike to have found it on my own
However, I was really glad that I did get a chance to see it. It's built in the European gothic style and one of the main features is a wonderful stained glass window set above the main entrance, which was perfectly lit by light streaming in from the east.
Inside, the scale of the building takes your breath away and it's worth looking round at the architecture and other stained glass windows.
There's a maze marked out on the floor to wander round as you meditate
Some great pics to be taken both inside and outside the cathedral
OMG! It's huge! It's beautiful! My friend had a wedding there in the smaller side room. even the side room looks so nice!
My friends and I were barely on time for the wedding. One tourist that noticed where the people with beautiful clothes (yeah I had to wear a damn tie... urgh...) were walking to was nice enough to direct us to where the tiny wedding was.
Then after the weddig we all went outside for photo stuff, and there was a circular maze where one follows the path to the middle of the circle then follow that path out again. Me and my friends rekindled the 5 years old in us and started to run down the path. Jesus. took 10 minutes! Lots of sharp turns which really add to out time.
Fun times!
"Blessed is the man who can eat, drink, Yelp and still go to church on Sundays."
- Yelp 20:30
Not a regular church goer, and I found the people very welcoming. What a beautiful building, and lovely people.
Going inside this church really does feel like leaving SF behind and transporting oneself to Europe (at least to this architecture novice who can't tell the difference between this Gothic cathedral and its overseas counterparts).
Truly a gorgeous place, and just a 10-minute (uphill) walk from Union Square. You can easily spend just as much time briefly peeking inside or linger for an hour and do some serious thinking about your place in the world.
It's one of those places that adds to the almost wackily diverse list of things you can experience in the Bay Area.
Religious? No . Spiritual? Yes .
And there is something about Grace Cathedral that just gets to me. Maybe it's seeing the tall regal towers looming over the bay after a long hike up California street. Or it could be the way the stained glass reflects rainbows along the wall's well painted religious historical murals. Or perhaps it's walking through the cathedral's two full scale, stone labyrinths and loosing myself in thought. Religious or not, this beautiful building brings beauty and peace, and it's definitely worth hiking up a hill for :)
(Powell and California to help the last reviewer out)
I'm not religious but I love this church because they are so open. They always have interesting exhibits/concerts/talks and sometimes movies. They even put solar panels upon their roof recently and they have a religious 'green' group which I thought was funny but useful. The Chaplin/ministers (I am so ignorant to the whole church thing I don't even know what they are called) are extremely nice and very smiley people. It's a good place to come and have a peaceful moment or to see a cool event.
I was here this past weekend to attend another SF Jazz event - Roy Hargrove and James Carter.
(This will be a two part review of the venue and the performers)
For those that have never attended a concert here (it was my first time also), it has quite a unique sound. There is a 7 second delay, so it almost sounded like the musicians were chasing their own note (if that makes sense). The venue itself is legendary! The stained-glass windows are like no other and simply beautiful. The murals along the walls were also beautifully done. The one negative thing I have to say is that it gets really drafty in there. I was freezing my ass off!
Now to the artists...
(1) Roy Hargrove - AMAZING and super talented! His sound is sexy, sultry, relaxing, and hypnotic. Played songs that fit the occassion and the venue. Very solemn and humble.
(2) James Carter - I can only describe it as a HOT MESS, but in a good way. Very similar to Madame Butterfly, where it sounds like organized chaos. Some parts he sounded like a tugboat, an elephant, and even mice. It was definitely interesting. Not to knock him because he is very talented, but I just didn't find that style appropriate for the venue. Again, you're at a church so that crazy "let me just play the hell outta this sax" just didn't sound good. He did slow it down with the saprano sax and played something very "pretty" to the ear. He held his last note for days - so much breath control, it was awesome!
The venue gets 5 stars, but the performance wasn't up to par to what I expected, so it lowers my overall review to 4 stars. I would defintely go back for another concert. Like I said, the sound quality in here is like no other!
(Note: They rape you with the parking! We paid $35 @ the garage across the street for about 2 hours - so be warned and get ready to pay a fortune for parking)
This review is for the inside labyrinth. My sister, visiting from Ireland, took me here (I'm the local, but I'd never walked the labyrinth!).
It really is special, if you let yourself take the time to experience it slowly and thoughtfully. The cool air inside the cathedral, and the soft lighting, make you feel like you're in the middle ages.
While walking with my gaze downward, following the path, I found myself trusting God and trusting the path more and more with each step. It was a serene and lovely experience and I can't wait to do it again.
If I were religious and believed in magic I would worship here. Seriously. Not a knock on magic per se, I love magic, I just don't really believe that bunnies come out of hats now but I still don't mind ponying up for the entertainment. Like that Popovich guy in Vegas who trained house cats at the Planet Hollywood.
But I digress.
Grace Cathedral is a fantastic crown to top our very own Nob Hill, along with the Fairmont, the Hopkins, and our Huntington Park. The interior space is quite meditative, the stained glass pleasing to look at, the murals informative, and just, pleasant. I am especially appreciative of the fact that the organization strives to recognize truth, evidenced by the galaxy glass in the back as a tribute to Einstein and the Big Bang. I wish more religious organizations out there would make the quantum leap.
Cheers to the Diocese.
I love seeing elevators in churches. They're such a subtle reminder of our final destination, either way we go.
WWJY? (What Would Jesus Yelp?)
It's still 5 stars in my book. I'm sure Jesus would agree.
P.S. Have you found the Einstein stained glass yet? Yes, THAT Einstein.
P.S.S. I'll tell you my favorite window, but you have to ask me.
P.S.S.S. Don't you love the labyrinths? Grace has 2 of the 3 known (to me) labyrinths in the city.
P.S.S.S.S. And the cool, old Chinese ladies doing Tai Chi outside on weekends?
P.S.S.S.S.S. And the fact that the church has a coffee shop downstairs?
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2008
What would Jesus do?
He'd give it a 5 stars!
I love this church. This is my church here in the city.… Read more »
"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was 'thank you,' that would suffice." -- Johannes Eckhart
For review 400, I'll try to actually do something useful for a change. For those who think I've done this before, all I can say is, prove it.
It is a rare occasion that finds me going to church. It's a bit like coffee: since I don't partake regularly, a little goes a long way. If there was some way for me to just slip in, take communion, and leave, that would be just about perfect. But I think they frown on that. And so, on occasion, I go to Grace and get the full run-down, and that lasts me for several months.
BUT, in the best tradition of Eckhart, and in the hopes that he is right, herewith, an extremely brief list of things I'm thankful for:
-I'm thankful that I was born in a First World country. I recognize that all the little (and not so little) stuff I take absolutely for granted, like 24-hour electricity, and indoor plumbing, and supermarkets, and relative safety from crime, and relatively honest government, and a thousand other things, are actually quite rare when the Earth's population as a whole is considered. The odds of any given baby actually being born in a First World country are fairly long, so I recognize that I pretty much hit the lottery right at birth.
-Speaking of which, I'm thankful that my parents were decent people, and great parents, and did everything they could for me. This is also not so common. My mom stayed home and raised me, and my dad's work allowed him to be home at a decent hour most nights, and be around the house most weekends. This is also not so common. And they weren't drug addicts, or alcoholics, or crazy, or apathetic about my life. They cared enough to actually BE parents, rather than trying to be my best friends, which every now and then meant doling out meaningful punishment so that I would learn how to behave in civilized society.
-I'm thankful that I have a brother whom I got to share most of my childhood with, and who was virtually always a really great guy, and who (whether he would admit it or not) would have done anything to help me at any time. We didn't always get along, in the best tradition of brothers, but I always knew I could count on him, and the few times I had to count on him, he always came through. Plus, he turned into a great guy, which makes me proud, even though I didn't really have anything to do with it.
-I'm thankful that I'm virtually totally healthy. In retrospect, I've put my body through an absolutely amazing amount of damage, and it's survived almost entirely intact (minus some teeth and a fully-functioning right shoulder). Plus, despite my rather lackadaisical attitude towards regular exercise, I'm still in surprisingly good shape. Doubt me? I'll take all comers at my favorite exercise: the one-block race, done carrying 100 pounds. Loser buys me more Scotch.
-And, of course, I'm thankful that I somehow managed to con an otherwise extremely intelligent, beautiful woman into marrying me. While it is beyond doubt that I don't deserve her, she's put up with me for all these years, and I'll continue to count myself lucky right up to the day when she comes to her senses and kicks me out.
I could go on (and on and on, as anyone who has ever read my reviews knows), but I think you get the point. And so, with my review #400 as my (rather pathetic) bully pulpit, let me encourage you to take a moment today, and try to fully grasp just how amazingly lucky, and fortunate, you actually are. We live in a beautiful city, absolutely awash in wealth, luxury, splendor and comfort all but unknown in the entirety of human existence to date, and indeed to the vast majority of humans living right at this very moment. It seems like the least we can do to take a moment, try to grasp the amazing blessings that make up our everyday life, follow Eckhart's advice, and say a quick thank-you.
This Church is great on several points.
1) I am not a religious man, but they were all welcoming. To my surprise, inside the church was a shrine paying homage to other religion around the world.
2) The philosophy of the church is progression and humanitarian
3) The church is magnificent. I've been to all the big ones in Italy, including the Vatican. I'll rank Grace as the #3 most impressive church I've ever seen. Absolutely beautiful.
If it weren't for being an "Agnostic-love thy neighbor-hey, Buddhism is pretty cool-half Jew", I'd actually make a good Christian and/or Catholic. I have an excellent track record...
Hey Sarah, remember that time you sat in the third row of Easter Mass at the Vatican behind all the Bishops? Or how about when you hiked 15 miles with a bunch of pilgrims through the hills of Costa Rica to a giant cathedral, and then proceeded to hobble down the 300-yard-long aisle towards a wooden doll believe to be an incarnation of the Virgin Mary... on your knees? Ouch. That was fun.
I go to yoga at Grace. I walk the labyrinth at Grace. I go to neat lectures at Grace (Michael Pollan, author of "Omnivore's Dillemma", anyone?). Seems like they have a lot of great programs for all members of the community, be they Episcopal or Jew-Bu's.
And thank you to whoever designed the darned thing for bringing a bit of Gothic Europe to San Francisco.
I will never forget the first time I went here..it was 19 years ago during a Christmas Eve Mass. The woman I was seeing at the time insisted I come and I have to say, even though I'm not a church-going lad, I was filled with wonder upon entering this place. I learned that it was modled after the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and that the roof is shaped in the form of a cross, like many French Gothic Churches. What I didn't know at the time was it sits on the site of the Crocker Mansion which was destroyed by the 06 quake/fire. I also learned that the original church, called Grace Church, was founded in 1849 and sat down the street. It was destroyed in the same quake. One of the rectors was James Smith Bush..yep, the grandfather of our George Bush. The Ghiberti Doors are replicas of the original doors shipped from Italy. Called the Gates of Paradise, they are modern replicas of the ones shipped over as our weather is too moist for them to be displayed. Labryinth walking is a must..there's one inside and one outside in the courtyard.
I can't believe I have found yet another place that I've been to and not reviewed.
This cathedral has 2 labyrinths, one indoor and one outdoor. I have never been to a service, but I have been here when there was a choir and it was so amazing to listen to. I have, however, been here many times to adore the stained glass and walk the labyrinths.
My friends and I came across this magnificent old cathedral by chance while wandering around the neighborhood. It's HUGE and impressive, and I loved it on sight.
We didn't go in, but did take a peek at the amazingly beautiful stained glass windows - I was tempted to take a picture...but I don't go in churches much, so I'm not sure what the rules are, exactly. :)
My second favorite part was walking around the side and seeing the giant gothic spire sticking out of the top - complete with gargoyles!!!
I'm sold, and determined to go inside next time.
Time for confession: never knew this existed until this past weekend, and even when we did visit, didn't go in. Reading other reviews now, I wish we had.
Never mind. This was the most unexpected stop on Sunday evening, towards the end of an unforgettable, whirlwind weekend. We were driving past the cathedral, a friend mentioned the labyrinth, so we pulled over and hopped out.
Started walking the outside labyrinth just on a whim, and none of us were in a contemplative mood. As I kept tracing its path, though, felt strangely quiet and calm, and the world around me seemed to fade away. What an unexpectedly therapeutic experience! Now I know where to go when my head feels overcrowded.
I'll never understand the unquestioning conviction people hold about something as vast as God. It's not that I don't believe in God, rather I don't presume an understanding of its thoughts and intentions. If an entity could craft something as elaborate and detailed as existence - from the grandest supernova to the awesomeness that is Harry Potter - how can one comprehend it any more than an ant comprehends a computer? Is it faith or delusion? Are they devoted or just self-righteous?
Similarly, life offers so many possibilities that limiting your ideal to a preexisting image would be a shame... that your dream job or true love might not turn out exactly how you envision, but even better - something new and unfathomable by the imaginative limits of your creativity...
High hopes and no expectations.
Wouldn't you rather just not know?
2 stars - Grace Cathedral the church I'd go to on Sunday Morning.
5 stars - Grace Cathedral the Cathedral
I came to Grace Cathedral not for the architecture, but for church.
As an Art History major I appreciate the incredible beauty this space holds. And for all the events that seem to occur in this place, it seems that many of the reviews have rated this CHURCH on it's space, not it's religious service and the people it has speak at those religious services and the ideas they hold.
I suppose there could be a lack of community since this is a tourist destination, but I was disappointed in the service as it had an AUTHOR deliver the sermon. His atrocious stab on the heathenish atheists made my skin crawl. His commitment to Christianity was delivered after the readings of the Bible yet he spoke very little of a God I've heard of. One that has to put my religion above others' beliefs - I have never heard such a thing. Of course he didn't outwardly attack other religions, but in speaking down on atheists - those who do not have Christianity as their faith - he was basically saying this.
When I got home I looked up this, no, not priest, but "author, speaker" http://www.dineshdsouz.../ . He not only has written the book he's currently on tour for at your local sellout church, the one he touted and signed copies of "What's so great about Christianity?" but also, get this, "The Enemy at Home: The Cultural Left and Its Responsibility for 9/11"!!!
This man's other works, his rhetoric, and the financial roots to this irreligious sermon made me feel lacking religion.
No Thank You, Grace Cathedral the service.
Oh, Grace Cathedral, and your sanctuary where I keeled, lit a candle and prayed to my grandma, your labyrinth where I can practice my nondenominational meditation, your glorious structure - thanks!
I'm not part of a God Squad nor am I a Seething Heathen, but I've been checking out this Sunday tradition for a few weeks now with an open will. When my sister and I were young, my parents never pushed religion on us, in fact, my mom told us everything we needed to know when we were 8 and 9 years old "...if anyone asks, just tell them you're Catholic." Now, my mom really didn't tell us WHEN to use this phrase, so we'd throw it out there at our discretion.
Lunch Lady: Do you want regular or chocolate milk?
JT F: I can only have chocolate because I'm Catholic.
As I've grown, religion still hasn't been a large part of my life, but I've tried to maintain at least seasonal Catholic status. (seasonal Catholic: Xmas, New Years and Easter). However, being a seasonal Catholic, allows for the verbal and physical cues given by God's customer service representative to be lost on me.
I thought I knew when to do the sign of the cross, the sitting for an hour and the big round cracker thing, but things seem different:
First, I'm not sure when the sign of the cross became more than touching 4 points on your body. I finished completing my 4 points, but everyone was still doing hand gyrations as if they were signing the cross in 3-D. Not to look out of place, I just made up my own hand gyrations to kill cross signing time. At one point I think I signed a Pentagram, but I can't be sure.
Secondly, church (from what I recall) was always something you just SAT through, but this is what I now know it to be: Up, down, up, up, down, kneel, up, shimmy, down, walk, down, up, shake hands, down, up, roger rabbit, down, pop-lock, down.
Finally, after getting through religious Tae-Bo, happy hour was upon us! Wine and crackers hosted by your local disciples. As they presented the drinks and appetizers, I couldn't help but think that this was not a very low carb way of saving of my soul. Don't they know what that does to my levels of insulin? "Hi, do you have anything in a Chardonnay?"
I may never become a non-seasonal Catholic, but going to church with the massive architecture, the people and the powerful feeling that comes from spending time there really makes it all worth while. And remember, if anyone asks, you're ______!
Nothing but a G thang!
A while ago I took a much needed break from studies and went to work full-time instead. Fast forward to the present, and I am now in the middle of applying as a transfer student to several universities. The whole process of waiting is nerve wracking and stressful. I mean what if they don't accept me, then what? I know these fears are unfounded but I'm obviously in need of some kind of reassurance.
And here is where Grace Cathedral comes in, this cathedral is for lack of better words-stunning in it's beauty. As I walk up California St., it's presence is imposing; like a stone masonry fortress that anchors the top of the hill. Solid, impenetrable. I can't help but be moved by it.
When I was told of the labyrinths, it sparked my imagination. I was picturing labyrinths a la Kubrick in The Shining, or even one with a menacing Minotaur, which I would have to outrun in order to avoid being eaten alive. Thankfully my imagination is a lot crazier than reality because I'm not much of a runner anyway and I would be devoured alive. Joking aside- the labyrinths are worth doing at least once. But approach them with an open mind and heart and you might reach that aha! moment.
The labyrinths (indoor and outdoor) are meditative, they are meant to quiet your thoughts and get you to a place of inner peace and empowerment, which is just what I need right now.
Columbarium is derived form the Latin word Columba, in English: Dove, a symbol of God's Spirit and Peace. (so written in the Grace Cathedral's information book).
I am a member since April 1995, Easter - baptized by the Bishop Swing and sponsored by the Assistant Dean of Grace, the very Reverend Fran Tornquist. My ex and I had made arrangements to have our cremains in the consecrated Chapel of St. Francis located on the second floor of the Cathedral's bell tower. After our divorce, I asked the keeper to relocate my future location. I will be on the upper level center near the pipes of the organ and facing the Church's center Nave. And, the memorial service is part of the package (gratis). Amazingly, the price isn't as expensive as I thought it would be as a "life member". At that time, I paid $1,200 including an urn. A beautiful resting place.
The contact person for this final resting place (only for cremains) is Honor Ross (415) 749-6309.
UPDATE: And, the "memorial service" is part of the package (gratis).
When my walking team reaches the top of Nob Hill, the new members always notice Grace Cathedral. It's worth an extra 20-40 minutes to go inside and see our version of monumental architecture.
It's a great prompt for discussions of gothic cathedrals, the history of the Christian church, differences between denominations, and San Francisco history. There are murals on the walls of the history of this cathedral and the Episcopalian Church in San Francisco. Indians and Chinese are fascinated.
Plus, I like the visit myself.
As a significant religious space located on a prominent hill, Grace Cathedral fully rises to its claim as "a house of prayer of all people." The community actively welcomes people from all over the world, regardless of their religious practice (or lack thereof).
To have a non commercial indoor space, open to the general public during the day, is a real gift to the city. Any open space, open for prayer and/or meditation, is a real luxury, especially given the high costs involved.
For those who might consider attending a service on Sunday morning, the format is similar to what one might find in a Catholic Church, except 30 minutes longer, due to all the music. And although excessive hymn singing can be painfully tedious, the music can be glorious, especially for those who like 19th and 20th century English and French religious music (though the repertoire is much broader).
For people who prefer less structure in their corporate devotions, the contemplative services on Sunday evenings may be more suitable. For those seeking "that old time religion" with Bible thumping sessions, tongue speaking and/or hour long sermons, this cathedral may best serve as a place for quiet contemplation during the week.
I saw an incredible exhibit at Grace Cathedral. When you walked through the entrance, you felt like you were swathed in silk and colors. Large banners of fabric were strewn against the ceiling, reaching from one side of the room to the other and creating a surreal experience of art combined with the ethereal charm of the building itself.
The Korean monk that made the pieces that hung in the Church was not well known in popular art circles, which made me love Grace even more for emphasizing the importance of the new, daring and unknown...truly an amazing place.
I'm not religious, but I do come here on the very rare occasion that I find myself on Nob Hill. It's the only church I've ever been where I haven't felt uncomfortable or not included.
When my husband's sister went to the Philippines for the Peace Corps, I bought her a St. Christopher's medal and brought it to Grace to get it blessed. The very kind priest (who was a woman, not that it matters) took my hand and bowed her head in prayer, asking God to take care of my sis on her journey. I've never felt as clear headed than I did at that very moment.
A definite "WOW" epiphany if there ever was one.
I'm not a religious man but from time to time I like to check in with the big guy upstairs. So the other day I was just taking a walk and I came upon Grace Cathedral. So I went in........
ME - God are you there? It's me Peter M.
GOD - Hold on a second, I'm just getting up......fucking Grammy awards keep me up all night......That Mary J. Blige with the I wanna thank GOD for this and that.....you don't hear the losers thanking me do you? When will people realize I have nothing to do with that shit.....How bout this Mary J. Blige....you stopped doing Heroin and your music got better.......Who would a thunk it? OK I'm sorry whats up Peter M?
ME - Oh nothing.......Did you hear I got De - Elited?
GOD - ME TOO!!!! Yeah so I get this message from Jessica T that says I need to use my own name and an original pic or I will loose my 2007 Elite Status and I'm like what the fuck???? I'm GOD that is my name and I look like whatever you want me to look like so posting a "real" pic is just kind of a waste of time.
ME - Wow, God I'm real sorry now you can't go the awesome Elite events anymore. Don't worry though cause I've got like 20 offers from the sexy Yelp ladies to be a plus one....I'll introduce you to a couple....if you could turn some water into wine I think you will be a hit at the next event.
GOD - SAH-WEET! I love the ladies. L - O - V- E them!
ME - you Dawg.
GOD - You know it!
ME- SIGH, anyway how is everything else?
GOD- You know same old, same old. War, death, birth. Hey I did want to let you know that your reviews are really rocking lately you seem to be in your stride again.
ME- Aw, shucks. Thanks God. You always know just how to make me feel better.
GOD- It's what I do baby - It's what I do. Ok Peter M I've got to go fuck with some people and tell them they are going to hell. I will catch up with you later.
Five stars for Grace Cathedral cause you can talk out loud to God and nobody stares at you.
The architecture is lovely, perched atop an SF hill with quite a view of the city. I like the meditative labyrinth inside.
But the best part of Grace is it's lovely acoustics. I am a fan of early classical and medieval music, and the choral and organ music are wonderful to see in this setting.
Made the top 25 buildings of 2007 list.
A few steps inside gothic Grace Cathedral and I was convinced that if I were God I would definitely want to hang out in a place as beautiful as this. This soaring structure, with its luminous silence, is nothing short of breathtaking.
A fantastic place for quiet contemplation.
My first trip to San Francisco. A college road trip down from Seattle w/ a friend and on our list of things to do was:
1) Tour Anchor Steam Brewery
2) Catch up w/ my HS friend and artist Kelly
3) Go over the Golden Gate Bridge
4) Visit the guide dog pups in San Rafael
and
5) Walk the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral
The article I read that directed me here from Seattle said come to the labyrinth with a question and through the process of the weaving through the labyrinth it will be answered. I did indeed find guidance to go East before coming back West, well graduate school admissions had something to do with that decision as well... but I knew I had a calling in SF and years later here I am. I've been back a couple more times when at crossroads and I tell you it's a surreal experience. So I try not to abuse it. I am not really a religious person, more spiritual but I tell you the experience here makes anyone feel welcome, comforted and enlightened. The stained glass windows illuminated at dusk are breathtaking. An amazing place for reflection.
This is my favorite place in San Francisco. My family and friends have a lot of history at this Cathedral. (We are Organ tuners)
Grace Cathedral hosts a lot of great Organ Concerts and have many a guest choir sing on Sundays. Come check it out. Its not just another church service. Its like a mini concert every time.
Walking the labyrinth...
Meditating. Rejoicing.
There's nothing better.
In an American "West Coast" metropolitan city like San Francisco, you rarely expect to find a European inspired cathedral but the moment I walked into Grace Cathedral, my mind went straight to my travels in Europe. It felt like an escape from all that was left outside the doors. A place of awe and restraint, respect and wonder. If you're visiting the city and have seen all the tourist attractions with the hope of finding a special nugget, check out Grace Cathedral and be inspired.
Every so often, I love to take a personal retreat to get away from all of life's worries and responsibilities. One of my favorite things to do is take the California line cable car up to Nob HIll (maybe throw in a trip to the day spa) and spend a couple hours here. Usually I'll walk the carpeted labyrinth (an experience in itself. Google "labyrinth in Christian churches" for more info on its symbolism and purpose), journal, and pray for a bit. And if it's a beautiful warm day, you can walk the labyrinth outside. It's always a lovely time for me, myself, and I (and more importantly time with God).
This is a beautiful Gothic cathedral. I deleted one star because it doesn't use flying buttresses, even though it really doesn't need them since it is made of reinforced concrete, but I thought that they should be there. On the other, hand, if it DID have flying buttresses, it would be kitsch. So, I don't know, maybe it should be five stars after all. I wonder if it is still in construction. Do they intend to put spires on the bell towers?
I went there for the 9/11 service and my need for companionship in grief, horror, and anger were satisfied by the outpouring that was so great that the fire klaxon went off in the middle of the service due to excess CO2 from the packed congregation. As I exited, so much money was being left for the special collection for the survivors of the victims that people were kicking twenty dollar bills out the door as they overflowed from the collection baskets. I felt much better.
However, I returned for a visit when no service was scheduled and found the space to be cold and inhuman in dimension.
Subsequently, I also had an unfortunate encounter with their bureaucracy, and with Dean Jones, wherein I sent him a certified letter asking for assistance in finding a parishioner employment as a lady's companion that was ignored for three months. Nobody even bothered to detach the return receipt and send it back so I instituted a lost mail search with the post office, only to find that his office HAD received it.
The fact is that it is the human beings that form a clergy and congregation that make a church what it is. Grace, as far as I can see, is a gorgeous shell devoid of humanity.
Nothing like the churches in Europe, but beautiful, and suggested donation. Should visit, and its not too far from the cable car lines on Powell and the other street, forget that one.
Peet's coffee shop in this historic church.
You have no excuse to fall asleep while confessing your sins to a priest.
Just came here last night to see a play in the Grace Chapel as part of the Fringe Festival. How cool and cultured for them to support the arts in this way! I also remember about 10 years ago when Lady Diana died, they aired her funeral live in the wee hours of the morning. They have choir music every Thursday, and if you have out of towners Grace Cathedral is not to be missed. It's beautiful.
Seems like a great place. I walked up here during my lunch break to see what it was about. I didn't have the suggested $5 donation to visitors, but the attendant was totally fine with that and said I could get change at the bookstore downstairs. I am no longer religious, so for me the experience focused on 1) being in a place of great architecture, 2) being in a place others hold so sacred.
I am hoping to go to one of the many choral performances that are put on here (often for free!). And I was bummed that I missed Jane Goodall when she came to speak here.
