***UPDATE 1/4/12***
Repairing the earthquake damage to the Washington National Cathedral could take a decade or more according to the head stone mason on the restoration project.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Today the National Cathedral* announced it would be reopening its doors for the first time since the August DC earthquake which disturbed parts of the structures edifice and foundation:
“Washington National Cathedral announced today its plans to reopen on Saturday, November 12, 2011, for the first time since August’s earthquake. That day, the Rev. Dr. Mariann Edgar Budde will be consecrated as the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington at the Cathedral. The reopening will include a week of events providing the Cathedral with the opportunity to welcome back and thank the community for its support during this difficult time.”
The Cathedral has confirmed that previous estimates of total restoration costs would rise to the “tens of millions of dollars,” which will be offset by an aggressive fundraising effort to raise $25 million and aid operations through the end of 2012.
* Darth Vader. The head of the galaxies most infamous villain can be found on the face of the Cathedral. It turns out, back in the 80s the Church held a decorative sculpture competition for children, and Vader won. We didn’t believe it either.
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