Join us for a fun filled & educational day at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral & Glencairn Mansi
on/Museum in Bryn Athyn, PA. All BPS members & their guests are invited to this event. In fact, the more the merrier. However, registration is required & you must email me at Vince.Pellegrini@
The Bryn Athyn Cathedral is an active house of worship & gathering place for members of the New Church, a Christian denomination based on the writings of Emanual Swedeenborg. This Gothic & Romanesque Cathedral was constructed between 1913 & 1919 by 300 local artisans. The major benefactor was John Pitcairn Jr., President of Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company (PPG). The complex is located just outside of Philadelphia, 65 miles from Reading.
The architecture of the Cathedral is very dramatic with its tower, asymmetry & gorgeous stained glass windows. The Cathedral’s lobby feels like a medieval castle with tall ceilings and stone walls. The interior of the cathedral’s nave is at least as impressive as the exterior, if not more so, with light streaming through the stained-glass windows overhead. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark. Learn more with these references HERE & HERE.
On the Cathedral grou
nds is the Glencairn Museum, the former castle-like mansion of John’s son, Raymond. It is a medieval, Romanesque style building with nine stories & 90 rooms & a nine story tower & was completed in 1939. Now converted to the Museum, it contains a collection of about 8,000 artworks, mostly religious in nature, from cultures such as ancient Egypt, Greece, the Roman Empire & medieval Europe, as well as Islamic, Asian & Native American works. It is on the National Register of Historic Places. During our visit, there will be an exhibition titled Cardboard Chronicles: The Biblical Art of Rudolph Bostic. More information on the museum can be found HERE.
The Cathedral, its buildings & the three huge houses that were originally built for the Pitcairn family are picturesquely sited on rolling hills that combine open fields and woods with lovely views out over the surrounding countryside. There are beautiful & expansive gardens throughout the complex. The grounds were designed by Olmstead Brothers of NYC’s Central Park fame.
We will drive separately to Bryn Athyn, about 75 minutes from Reading. Those who want to carpool could arrange that & perhaps meet at the GoggleWorks. I can help to facilitate that. Our group will gather at the Cathedral at 10:20 AM. BPS will have a very special experience at the Cathedral beginning at 10:30 AM. Our group will first have a private 45 minute tour of the historic Cathedral as described here: “Our tours tell of the ever-evolving representation of a faith much like the community it serves, a manifestation of organic beauty, that is highlighted in the religious symbolism of the building. Dedicated over 100 years ago, this masterpiece marries old craftsmanship with modern upgrades.” We will then be allowed to photograph the interior for up to an hour. Tripods will be allowed which is a big exception to the policy. There will be free access to independently explore & photograph the grounds & gardens for up to another hour after the tour. A bag lunch would be ideal at the conclusion of this portion although there is a cafe about one mile away.
At 1:00, we will meet up at the Glencairn Museum/Mansion on the grounds & have a private 90 minute Highlights Tour. Here is the tour’s description: “The guided tour begins in the Great Hall, featuring awe-inspiring architecture and skilled craftsmanship. Experience spiritual beliefs and practices through the ages by exploring three galleries (most likely Rome, Greece, and the Medieval Treasury) with art and artifacts from the Glencairn Museum collection. Immerse yourself in family spaces that have remained unchanged since Glencairn was a home, including the family Chapel (with stained glass and mosaics) and the Main Bedroom and Bath. The elevator ascent to the Tower, with its commanding view of the local area and the Philadelphia skyline, is a visitor favorite.” We will be able to photograph inside the museum during & after the tour however the rooms are too small here to allow the use of tripods. Our group will leave as desired anytime after the Museum tour. The Museum closes at 4:30.
We will not be able to photograph the Cairnwood Estate & its gardens as there will be a private function there during our visit. Privacy will need to be respected.
This will be a great architectural & flower photographic opportunity combined with a wonderful educational & cultural experience. It will be a lovely event for photographers & non-photographers alike. Bring the family.
Cost: The Cathedral tour is $5, paid in cash at the door. The Museum tour is $15 with seniors & student discounts, paid in advance using this BPS specific LINK. Everyone joining us this day must complete this link to be registered. Do so as soon as you know that you will join us. You must also please email me at Vince.Pellegrini@