St. Johns is breathtakingly beautiful and larger than one can imagine. In fact, it is the largest cathedral in the world. Gothic in style, the multiple-arched ceiling soars above the nave which is the size of 2 football fields. The wood carvings making up the choir loft are more detailed than I can describe.
We enjoyed our first visit there so much that we decided to return on Monday when the head organist does a short recital and demonstrates the properties of the organ. What sticks with me is how lovingly he spoke of the organ. He spoke of it like a friend with a personality rather than an object. He talked about how the majesty of the trumpet sounds speaks to him and told us that this organ is like having an entire symphonic orchestra at his hands and feet. A couple of facts that amaze: The church is so large that the sound from the organ doesn't hit the back of the sanctuary for one full second. The range is astonishing: the smallest pipe is the size of a pencil. The largest pipe is 32 ft. tall -- 6 adults could stand shoulder on shoulder inside the pipe.
Gary's mom Patty has played the organ in every congregation she has belonged to. Her career started by playing at a funeral at age 12. How we wished she was here with us today.
