San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral Reopens for In-Particular person Worship Companies – CBS San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) – On Pentecost Sunday, the Christian Church’s birthday, the massive Grace Episcopal Cathedral on Nob Hill in San Francisco celebrated something of a rebirth and opened its doors to worshipers for the first time since the pandemic began.
There is a tradition at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco that the ornate Ghiberti front doors remain closed except on special occasions or when the bishop is visiting. On Sunday both conditions were met and the doors were wide open.
CONTINUE READING: Oakland Coliseum bulk vaccination facility closes after administration of more than 500,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses
Bishop Marc Andrus presided over Sunday Mass when the cathedral welcomed its congregation for the first time in more than 14 months.
“We saw it on Zoom every Sunday, but this is a great day to see everyone together,” said longtime parishioner Toye Moses. “God must be praised that we are alive today.”
During his sermon, the bishop thanked the people for their patience.
The bishop’s voice broke with emotion as he thanked the people for their patience.
“I am so thankful to you. You protected yourself and your neighbors. You literally saved lives, ”said Bishop Andurs.
CONTINUE READING: Residents evicted in 2-alarm fire in Oakland Apartment Building
The masks were kept on and the only singing came from the cathedral’s male choir, but just being in the building with its stained glass windows and high ceiling inspired a feeling you can’t get from Zoom.
“It’s great! And for me the spirit and the height of the building is a nice, strong feeling,” said Linda Rae Hardwick, who was visiting on Sunday.
That is the intention. The cavernous interior, the huge historical murals, the larger-than-life statues, says the bishop, they are all meant to make people feel small – to remind them that there is something bigger out there.
“Everything comes together in this building. It gives us a vision of harmony, beauty and space, which is important, the idea that there is a reality of love that is greater than us, greater than the problems we face, ”he explained.
After the service, the congregation reported outside to receive communion on the front steps. It may have been a safety precaution for COVID-19, but it was also a reminder that while you can get inspiration inside the church walls, you usually have to go outside to help others.
“A lot of people have been under great stress and stress this year,” said parishioner Alma Robinson. “We hope that we will be able to be a better community, then be a better country.”
MORE NEWS: Early Morning Dublin House Fire Burns Home, 3 Cars, 1 Morning
On Sunday at 8:45 am, as part of its reopening ceremony, the church will present a special arts program in which images in honor of Pentecost and the month of heritage of the Asian and Pacific islanders will be projected onto the exterior facade of the cathedral.
