The Bryn Athyn Cathedral, PA

Town Bryn Athyn is home to the Bryn Athyn Historic District - a National Historic Landmark District.

The Bryn Athyn Cathedral (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_Church)  was constructed from 1913-1919. The Cathedral's initial design was by the Boston architecture firm of Ralph Adams Cram. The planning of the Cathedral began under the direction of William Fredrick Pendleton, the Bishop of the Church, and John Pitcairn, president of the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company (now PPG Industries), who was the major benefactor donating the property and much of the funds to construct the cathedral.
Raymond Pitcairn, John Pitcairn's son, became involved with the project and worked with the firm of Ralph Adams Cram. Some very unorthodox building practices were used during the construction. For example, rather than relying on blueprints and plans, almost every aspect of the design was made into scale models where Mr. Pitcairn and the workers could study, review and embellish their ideas before actually constructing them.
Another aspect of the cathedral which is unusual is that asymmetries and irregularities were planned into the building as it was built.
The Stained Glass windows of Bryn Athyn Cathedral are absolutely unique. The medieval method of creating stained glass was revived in order to create them. The first glass was blown in 1922 and the last was done in the 1940s, however all the windows themselves were not completed till the 1960s.

The Cathedral is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00AM-4PM and Sunday from 1:00PM-4:00PM. Tour guides available seven days a week from 1:00PM-4:00PM.

The grounds are open seven days a week during daylight hours, except during worship services and special events, when they are closed to visitors. Please check Church calendar or call (267-502-4600) ahead to confirm that the Cathedral Grounds are open.

Overall, the guides are friendly and can answer any questions about these beautiful surroundings. The gardens are stunning. A must see!

Right next to the Cathedral is the Academy-affiliated Glencairn Museum. Originally the private residence of Raymond Pitcairn, this castle-like building now houses a collection of mostly religious artwork from around the world and is open to the public.

Glencairn has several interesting collections but the most impressive is the largest collection of medieval stained glass in private hands. It is all very well displayed in back-lit cabinets with ample opportunities to get up-close. The house itself is very imposing and embodies all the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Guided historic tours are offered daily at 11 am or by appointment. Visits require a guide. Self-guided tours are not available.