Joanna T

Review of Grace Cathedral

Grace Cathedral is a special place. It s not just ...

Grace Cathedral is a special place. It s not just a religious edifice; it s a community gathering place as well.

GC has many activities serving the people who visit. They have events such as a lecture series with famous people. There is yoga on Tuesday evenings. There are job search support groups using the meeting rooms. The outdoor courtyards are used for social events and wedding parties.

When you visit, you may be stunned by the physical size of the interior. The murals depict interesting religious and historical themes.
The stained glass windows allow sunlight to shine in causing in some places a rainbow of colors to dance on the floor.

A famous feature is the exact replica of the Gates of Paradise doors (of the Baptistery in Florence, Italy) in the center exterior of the cathedral front. These doors are bronze and beautiful 3-dimensional figures seeming to be leaping off the surface.

There is a small labyrinth in the outside courtyard which you can stroll along. The larger labyrinth inside the church can be meditative to walk through.

What s really cool is that GC accepts all people to attend services at the church irregardless of the religion you choose to identify with, irregardless of ethnicity and irregardless of sexual orientation.

This Anglican church personifies what San Francisco is: open-minded and accepting. We are all humans in the eyes of God. I m so proud that this cathedral (which was built after the 1906 earthquake at its present location) is in my neighborhood. I call this house my spiritual home. It can be home for you as well. The doors are open to all. We welcome the world.