Centennial Celebration at Grace Cathedral
I admit I have a certain fondness for Grace Cathedral. For nearly four years I was the chief sound engineer there. I'd show up for work early on Sunday morning bleary-eyed and yawning as I prepared the microphones and sound system for the day's events. (I'm also the chief sound engineer for Beach Blanket Babylon in North Beach and don't get home from work there until slightly earlier on Sunday mornings)
On more than one occasion, I'd be jolted out of my quiet reverie (and there's nothing like the quiet of the cathedral when it is empty - it's almost spooky) by some very early-rising sightseers taking in the great Cathedral on the Hill. Hard to believe, perhaps, that tourists would get to church before the church-goers, but that's the kind of place Grace Cathedral is.
Standing at the pinnacle of Nob Hill (California at Taylor; really, you can't miss it) Grace stands in all its French Gothic glory as the third largest Episcopal cathedral in the country.
Whether for its history, art, architecture, music (from the acclaimed choir to musical guests such as Al Stewart and the San Francisco Jazz festival), labyrinths, or just a quiet oasis in the center of the urban madness, Grace Cathedral has something to offer everyone - even if you're not usually the church-going type. And if you happen to be an Episcopalian, well then, you're home baby!
Grace Cathedral is currently in the midst of its Centennial Celebration. Among the series of events, on display from March 27-May 29 is the Keiskamma Altarpiece for its only Northern California stop of its North American tour. A monumental, 13- by 22-foot artwork created by 120 women in Hamburg, South Africa, the altarpiece draws inspiration from Renaissance-era altarpieces and the Bayeaux Tapestry, conveying a message of hope for people who are contending with the devastation that AIDS has wrought in their lives. It is created of embroidery, beadwork, wire sculpture and photographs.
Grace has a full calender of events, and is open to the public Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, Saturday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, and Sunday, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm. And like I said, the public shows up to check it out all the time - even at 7:00 am on Sunday morning. Don't scare the soundman if you get there early.
