Kevin Eckstrom
Washington National Cathedral’s Chief Public Affairs Officer Kevin Eckstrom will explore the rich history and stunning art and architecture of the National Cathedral during a free public lecture presented by the McFaddin- Ward House, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the museum’s Visitor Center Lecture Hall, located at 1906 Calder Avenue in Beaumont.
The lecture, “The Washington National Cathedral: A Testament in Stone to Craftmanship and Artistry,” will detail the Cathedral’s storied history, from its origins in embracing George Washington’s vision for “A Great Church for National Purposes” to its continued role in the nation’s civic and spiritual life and highlight its impressive collection of artwork and unique architectural features.
“The National Cathedral is unlike any other building, or church, in America,” Eckstrom said in a release. “This is a place where the walls have absorbed generations of tears, joy and celebration as a witness to important events in the nation’s history. They simply don’t build buildings like this anymore, and I’m thrilled to introduce the audience to the mechanics of building a gothic cathedral in the 20th century; the stories we tell in stained glass and stone.”
Eckstrom serves as editor-in-chief of “Cathedral Age” magazine and works to advance the Cathedral’s core mission priorities and develop programs to build audiences and awareness for the Cathedral. After nearly a decade at the Cathedral, Eckstrom says he’s still discovering new history and details about the historic building.
“I think the most fascinating thing about the Cathedral are the stories we tell in our iconography,” Eckstrom said. “We have the expected features — Jesus, Mary and all the saints — but we also have windows that honor Lewis & Clark, and the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and even Elie Wiesel. It’s a very American take on a Gothic Cathedral, and the stories we tell reflect the times that we have witnessed.
“Our goal is to make sure that every visitor sees themselves or their story reflected somewhere in the Cathedral, and there’s some really fascinating ways we do that.”
Eckstrom spent most of his career in daily journalism, and said he is a storyteller at heart, and the Cathedral is full of unexpected and intriguing stories to tell.
McFaddin-Ward House lectures are free and open to the public, but space is limited. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The lecture will be streamed live on the museum’s Facebook page and will also be available on the museum’s YouTube channel.
For more information, call 409-832-2134 or visit mcfaddin-ward.org.