The National Cathedral is an Episcopal cathedral located in Washington D.C. It is the sixth largest cathedral in the world and the second largest in the United States.Official Site: Washington National Cathedral: All Figures
On January 21, 2009, President Barack Obama attended the National Prayer Service at the Cathedral along with his wife, Michelle Obama, and Vice President Joe Biden and his family.Washington Post: Obama Begins Day With National Prayer Service (January 21, 2009)
The National Prayer Service
The National Prayer Service is a presidential inaugural tradition that dates back to the inaugural of President George Washington in 1789. On January 21, 2009, an interfaith invitation-only National Prayer Service was held for newly-inaugurated President Barack Obama. 20 clergy participated in the service, including Pastor Sharon Watkins, who delivered the sermon. Watkins was the first woman ever selected to lead the traditional service.Washington Post: Obama Begins Day With National Prayer Service (January 21, 2009)
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Fast Facts
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Construction on the National Cathedral began on September 29, 1907
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Work was completed on September 29, 1990
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Cost to build the Cathedral
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Site of President Barack Obama's Inaugural Prayer Service on January 21, 2009
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Also the site of the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance service on September 14, 2001Official Site: Washington National Cathedral Timeline
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More than 150 people are interred in the Cathedral, including Helen Keller and former President Woodrow Wilson
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There is a sculpture of Darth Vader at the top of the west tower of the CathedralOfficial Site: Washington National Cathedral: Darth Vader
