On day one of our itinerary-less trip to New York City, we were walking to breakfast surrounded by a bunch bland apartment buildings until there was a clearing for a small park. That’s when we saw it, looking down from the hill across the park where it sits in all it’s spired and stained-glass glory. Just like that, we had an itinerary….
Choirs were there rehearsing for a competition over the weekend so the beautiful halls were filled with music that was equally stunning.
There was a small monument in a side hallway to commemorate the 9/11 attacks and those that we lost. I don’t know if it was the surreal music ringing through the hall that made it so moving, but it was the most touching memorial that I had ever seen.
The top half is that of a woman, and the bottom box has a piece of the World Trade Center inside of it. It was just completed in 2012 by Meredith Gang Bergmann..
There are also several mini-chapels in the back of the building, each with a different theme and purpose..
The whole thing is in the middle of a remodel. Here you can see the divide between the old and new walls..
It is right next to the Columbia University campus, so if you’re in the area you should go check it out. They do not charge a fee for entrance, but giving a donation isn’t a bad idea. It all goes towards the restoration of the building.
You can also donate in the form of a candle purchase. They’re actually quite cheap and you can write a small inscription. There were many candles with writing in several languages. Some were in memoriam, others were prayer requests or notes of thanksgiving… All very beautiful.
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