Washington National Cathedral

WASHINGTON – Alaska leaders and citizens will be celebrated at special worship services August 20 at Washington National Cathedral. Invited guests include Alaska political and religious leaders, worshipers from the state and Alaska natives now living in the Washington DC area.

As part of its national ministry, Washington National Cathedral offers prayers for the people and leaders of each state annually. The Cathedral, which has hosted state funerals and other events of national significance, honors each state with a major observance once every four years. The Alaska flag will be placed on the chancel steps for the service and will remain there for a week in further recognition of the state.

“The National Cathedral Association invites all from Alaska to participate in this special day,” said Vanessa Andrews, director of the National Cathedral Association. “Since 1899, when people first gathered on the Cathedral site prior to construction, we have recognized that the strength of Washington National Cathedral is the citizens from across our nation and around the world who helped build this cathedral church and help us live into our mission as a national house of prayer for all people.”

Afterwards, guides will lead guests on a special tour of the Cathedral, the sixth-largest in the world, highlighting its Alaska features. For instance, an Alaska missionary in snowshoes, surrounded by igloos and seagulls, is carved on one of the Baptistery bosses, and the state seal is represented on a needlepoint wall hanging in War Memorial Chapel.

“As a national house of prayer for all people, the Cathedral opens its doors to all. On August 20, we especially welcome Alaska citizens as we honor their contributions to our nation,” Andrews said. “Alaska Day will be a meaningful celebration of the state.”

The National Cathedral Association (NCA) is the friends’ organization of Washington National Cathedral. It counts more than 14,000 members in every state and around the world who support the Cathedral’s missions and ministries. Its regional volunteer leaders in Alaska are Dr. William Davis of Anchorage and the Rev. Connie Jones of Anchorage.

ATTN PRINT MEDIA: An account of the celebration and photos from the event will be available by August 21. If you desire e-mail transmission of this account and/or photos sent as JPEG attachments please contact Elizabeth Mullen at the number above. Available on the web site are print-quality photos of Washington National Cathedral (you may also click “News” then “Photos for Print” at www.nationalcathedral.org.)

SOURCE: Washington National Cathedral