Cathedral of St Philip Episcopal The

So I was raised Roman Catholic, and boy, do we know all about edifices and religious architecture and artistry and such. One thing I appreciate about Episcopal services is that I can follow what’s going on. Similar liturgical language, you know. You’ve got the tradition and ceremony of RC but the freedom switch things up a bit. Henry VIII was originally a Defender of the Faith, to be sure.
One thing that messed with my head was when I looked at the stained glass windows to see colonial dudes in powdered wigs in the glass! Whaaa? That one threw me for a loop. I don’t know these Episcopal holy peeps.
Beautiful cathedral. Face melting organ solos. George Washingtonesque folk in the stained glass, yo.

Went there as a visitor for the first Sunday after Lent. it is a pretty progressive congregation theologically compared to some of the other Episcopal churches in town. The cathedral is stunning, the majesty of the service and the organ are great. It is obvious that a lot of rich people go to church here and if you hate rich people this is not the place for you. But they were very, very nice and friendly and the facilities were amazing. We will go back to see more. It was a very spiritual place.

Being someone who has only attended church service sporadically, and a Lutheran church at that, I was a little intimidated to attend a service at St. Philip. I visited their website first and found lots of useful information that helped quell my anxiety. They have podcasts of the sermons to give you a feel for the tone of the church. They have detailed directions to help you out (where to park, what door to enter, etc.). They even have designated volunteers in green aprons to help answer any questions you may have.
On my first visit, I found a volunteer who was incredibly nice. She had come from a Lutheran backround as well and even lead me to the cathedral (this is a big church). She explained what services and times are offered. They even have a small chapel for those who prefer a smaller, more intimate service. She handed me a program and I went in. The program is basically a script of the services. It even has bolding on the parts you are supposed to repeat as well as page numbers for the hymnals to look up in the blue hymnal books located in the pews. The service was fantastic. The reverend even made psychology references, which, being a psych major, helped me to relate on another level. All are encouraged to take Communion if they wish, which is very different from a lot of other places of worship where you have to be a confirmed member of the faith and often that church.
This is the most welcoming church I have attended by far and everyone I’ve met has gone out of their way to make me feel at home. I recommend checking out their Facebook page to get a real sense of the people at St. Philip’s. This church has a much more liberal feel to it and encourages you to be yourself.