Explore the Washington National Cathedral at McFaddin-Ward House Lecture Sep. 12

Beaumont, TX; Aug. 26, 2024 – Washington National Cathedral’s Chief Public Affairs Officer Kevin Eckstrom will explore the rich history and stunning art and architecture of the National Cathedral during a free public lecture presented by the McFaddin-Ward House on Thursday, Sep. 12, at 6:30 p.m. in the museum’s Visitor Center Lecture Hall (located at 1906 Calder Avenue in Beaumont).

The lecture, “The Washington National Cathedral: A Testament in Stone to Craftmanship and Artistry,” will detail the Cathedral’s storied history, from its origins in embracing George Washington’s Vision for “A Great Church for National Purposes” to its continued role in the nation’s civic and spiritual life, and highlight its impressive collection of artwork and unique architectural features.

“The National Cathedral is unlike any other building, or church, in America,” Eckstrom said. “This is a place where the walls have absorbed generations of tears, joy and celebration as a witness to important events in the nation’s history. They simply don’t build buildings like this anymore, and I’m thrilled to introduce the audience to the mechanics of building a gothic cathedral in the 20th century; the stories we tell in stained glass and stone.”

As a member of the Cathedral’s executive team, Eckstrom serves as editor-in-chief of the award-winning “Cathedral Age” magazine and works with the dean and chief operating officer to advance the Cathedral’s core mission priorities and develop programs to build audiences and awareness for the Cathedral. After nearly a decade at the Cathedral, Eckstrom says he’s still discovering new history and details about the historic building.

“I think the most fascinating thing about the Cathedral are the stories we tell in our iconography,” Eckstrom said. “We have the expected features – Jesus, Mary and all the saints – but we also have windows that honor Lewis & Clark, and the signers of the Declaration of Independence, and even Elie Wiesel. It’s a very American take on a Gothic Cathedral, and the stories we tell reflect the times that we have witnessed. Our goal is to make sure that every visitor sees themselves or their story reflected somewhere in the Cathedral, and there’s some really fascinating ways we do that.”

Eckstrom holds degrees from The George Washington University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He is also the author of the Cathedral’s “Now and Forever” windows book and a member of the Advisory Council of the President Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, DC.

“I spent most of my career in daily journalism, and when the rat race got the better of me, I wanted to explore opportunities that piqued my interest in history, architecture and religion. The Cathedral has all three,” Eckstrom said. “I knew I didn’t want to work for the widget factory; I wanted a place that captured my imagination and always offered opportunities to learn something new. I’m a storyteller at heart, and this place is full of unexpected and intriguing stories to tell.”

McFaddin-Ward House lectures are free and open to the public, but space is limited. Doors open at 6 p.m.

For those unable to attend, the lecture will be streamed live on the museum’s Facebook page (facebook.com/McFaddinWardHouse). The full lecture will also be available for viewing on the museum’s YouTube Channel (youtube.com/@mcfaddinwardhouse) and website (mcfaddin-ward.org/about/videos) after the event.

Built in 1905-1906 in the distinctive Beaux-Arts Colonial style, the McFaddin-Ward House reflects the lifestyle of the prominent family which lived in the house for 75 years. The museum features free tours, educational programming, year-round events, a carriage house, and gardens.

For more information, call 409-832-2134 or visit mcfaddin-ward.org.