St. John the Divine, located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, is often referred to as the largest cathedral in the world. The cathedral, which is part of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, is a neo-Gothic structure that is the fourth-largest church in the world and the largest in the United States.
The cathedral was designed by architect George Heins and Christopher Grant LaFarge and was first consecrated in 1912. Initially, the cathedral was meant to be much larger than its current size, but the plans were not completed due to lack of funds. The current dimensions of the building span 600 feet long, 150 feet wide, and 197 feet high. The main building is made of limestone, granite, and marble and features a number of stained glass windows, towers, buttresses, and statues.
The cathedral is the home of the world-famous St. John the Divine Choir, which is directed by Dr. William Trafka. The choir is renowned for its performances of classical and gospel music, as well as its annual Christmas concerts and services. The cathedral also serves as a cultural hub, hosting lectures, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.
The cathedral is also home to a number of special events, such as the annual Blessing of the Animals, the New Year’s Eve Peace Concert, and the annual Children’s Christmas Pageant. The cathedral is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, drawing more than a million visitors each year.
The cathedral has also been the site of a number of significant events, such as the funeral of U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, the memorial service for former U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1963, and the memorial service for former U.S. President Ronald Reagan in 2004.
In conclusion, while there are several cathedrals around the world that are larger than St. John the Divine, it is widely considered to be the largest cathedral in the world. Its grandeur and significance to the city of New York make it a popular destination for visitors and locals alike.
