We call Grace Cathedral a house of prayer for all people, without exception. All kinds of people walk through our doors every day, and all are welcome. Some come to participate in worship services, to walk the labyrinths, to seek the divine or to pray. Others come simply to find a quiet place, listen to music, enjoy the art, or to connect with new people and ideas. We know that for many, just coming inside an imposing- looking place like this can be challenging. So, whatever your purpose, we thank you for being here. WHAT IS GRACE CATHEDRAL? Grace Cathedral is home to a community where the best of Episcopal Christian tradition courageously embraces innovation and open-minded conversation, where inclusion is expected and people of all faiths are welcomed, where beliefs are put into action and where people are encouraged to seek God and progress on their own spiritual journey. This renowned San Francisco landmark serves as a regional magnet where diverse people gather to worship, celebrate, seek solace, con- verse and learn. HISTORY OF GRACE CATHEDRAL Grace Cathedral is descended from the historic Grace Chapel, built in the Gold Rush year of 1849, and the imposing structure on the corner of California and Stockton streets that was destroyed in the 1906 earth- quake and fire. San Francisco’s Crocker family gave their Nob Hill property, destroyed by the fire, for the building of a new cathedral. Work began on this structure in 1927. Designed in the French Gothic style by Lewis Hobart, it was largely completed in 1964. The interior vaulting and cast-stone walls remain unfinished. Famed for its Ghiberti doors, labyrinths, stained glass, AIDS chapel, as well as its music, the cathedral has become an internationally-known place of pilgrimage, home to a vibrant and diverse congregation, and the con- vening place for civic celebrations and commemorations —truly “the city’s church.” NOT TO BE MISSED… Ghiberti’s Doors of Paradise The Doors of Paradise are considered by many to be the greatest bronzework masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. The magnum opus of Florentine sculptor Lorenzo Ghiberti (1378–1455), the doors were made for the Baptistery of Florence Cathedral (the Duomo) and tell familiar Old Testament stories. Grace Cathedral’s doors were made after World War II from molds of the original doors. Labyrinths The Labyrinth is an archetype, a divine imprint, found in all major religious traditions in various forms around the world. Grace Cathedral has two labyrinths. The outdoor labyrinth is made of granite and is located just outside the cathedral doors. This labyrinth is open 24 hours daily for walk- ing. The indoor labyrinth is open during cathedral hours, except dur- ing special events or services. The path is 707 feet long. AIDS Interfaith Chapel The chapel was completed and dedicated in 2000, as a memorial to the nearly 20,000 San Franciscans and many others who have died of AIDS, as a place of meditation, healing and remembrance for caregivers and to remember those who are still fighting against the disease. Symbols of the world’s religions—Christianity, Islam, Taoism, indigenous faiths, Shinto, Hinduism, Judaism, Buddhism, Jainism and all other faiths—appear as elements in the chapel. The focus of the chapel is a triptych altarpiece by New <ork artist .eith Haring, entitled “The Life of Christ,” completed just weeks before his own death from AIDS. Hanging at the rear of the chapel is a panel of the AIDS quilt that is changed every 6 months. MUSIC AND EVENTS Organ The cathedral’s organ was built by the Aeolian- Skinner Company in 1934. Its nearly 7,500 pipes make it one of the largest organs in the United States and an early example of an American Classic-style organ. Choir Grace Cathedral has had a men’s choir since its founding, with boys added soon after. The cathedral is one of seven Episcopal cathedrals in the United States carrying on the centuries-old Anglican tradition of a men and boys choir. Concerts Experiencing a musical event here is a singular experience—from choir and classical music concerts to blues, jazz and dance performances. The Forum We host conversations with authorities from the worlds of politics, activism, spirituality, the arts and humanities. Past guests have included: Jane Goodall, best-selling writer Anne Rice, retired Army Gen. John Abizaid, and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. VISITING GRACE CATHEDRAL You are welcome at Grace Cathedral every day of the year. Hours Tours Docent-led tours are available daily, except Fridays. For information, call: (415) 749-6348 Transportation and Parking The California and Powell Street cable cars, and #1 California and #27 Bryant bus lines stop nearby. There is a parking garage, including disabled access, onsite. There are other parking garages nearby, and limited on-street parking. Service Times SUNDAYS 8:30 am The Holy Eucharist 11:00 am Choral Eucharist 3:00 pm Concert or Choral Evensong (September–June) 6:00 pm Evening Worship with Holy Communion WEEKDAYS 7:30 am The Holy Eucharist (Thursdays only) (Monday–Friday) 9:00 am Morning Prayer 12:10 pm The Holy Eucharist 5:15 pm Evening Prayer (except Thursday) 5:15 pm Choral Evensong (Thursday) (September–June) SATURDAYS 9:00 am Morning Prayer 3:00 pm Evening Prayer HOLIDAYS 9:00 am Morning Prayer 12:10 pm The Holy Eucharist 3:00 pm Evening Prayer CELEBRATING LIFE’S EVENTS Weddings It is not necessary to be a member of the cathedral congregation, or to be an Episcopalian, to be married here. Nevertheless, a marriage in the cathedral is different from a civil ceremony. Couples should be open to a discussion of the spiritual nature of their rela- tionship and the place of God in their lives. Although other clergy, including clergy of other denomi- nations, may assist or perform services here, normally cathedral clergy officiate at weddings. The Cathedral and the Episcopal Church fully embrace marriage equality. Baptisms Holy Baptism is initia- tion by water and the Holy Spirit into the church. The cathedral administers the Sacrament of Holy Baptism four Sundays per year: at the Great 9igil of Easter and Easter morning (spring), All Saints’ Day (fall), the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (winter), and the Feast of Pentecost (summer). Funerals and Memorial Services Funerals and memo- rial services are scheduled as space and time permit. Officiating clergy will, together with the family, plan the service. Pledging members of the congregation and those owning columbarium space (see below) are exempt from space-use fees. &olumEarium Grace Cathedral offers an opportunity to lay to rest the cremated remains of a loved one in a beautiful and sacred space, overlooking the glorious cathedral nave. For more information about any of these services, please call: (415)749-6300 or visit us online at: www.gracecathedral.org A house of prayer for all people Visitor Guide Welcome to Grace Cathedral Sunday: 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 6 p.m.