Monday, May 9, 2016

A Cathedral and a Courtyard

Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Huntingdon Valley, PA

A cathedral such as this 
is not a typical sight in suburban America. 
It is more reminiscent of a European find. 

On the Grounds of Bryn Athyn Cathedral 

But the folks who settled here from Scotland 
were interested in the religious teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg
and established a church here. 

Outside of Bryn Athyn Cathedral


Most of the funding from building the cathedral came from 
John Pitcairn (b. 1841) of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company. 
He was a school drop out 
who made quite a successful living. 

Glencairn: Former Home of Raymond Pitcairn and His Family
Cairnwood: Former Home of John Pitcairn and His Family

When he married in 1884 in Philadelphia 
he built an equally impressive family home 
across from the cathedral named Cairnwood 
which now serves as a venue for weddings. 

The Courtyard at Glencairn

I like when those rich folks leave 
a legacy that can be enjoyed by ordinary people like me. 
Just don't expect me to be leaving anything like this behind. 


More of my images from Bryn Athyn Historic District can be found here

900 Cathedral Rd, Bryn Athyn, PA 19009




9 comments:

Andy said...

My oh my! The buildings are awesome!

Tamar SB said...

There is something so strikingly gorgeous about a cathedral. You captured them so well!

Chere Mama said...

You can feel the peace coming from that curve of red trees and the sense of permanence from the cathedral. I scrolled through these so many times. You captured that serenity so beautifully!

Linda Kay said...

How beautiful. And you are right, it looks very European.

MadSnapper said...

So beautiful. The church looks like Europe for sure

doodles n daydreams said...

What a beautiful cathedral and homes. Very reminiscent of England.

Diana

Anonymous said...

What beautiful buildings!! The first one looks like something in the UK.

Sarah Huizenga said...

What an amazing place and I love that you can walk the grounds and take photos.

Unknown said...

That's a fabulous looking Cathedral and I love that courtyard picture, lovely composition...