st. paul's chapel

this st. paul's chapel is quite the historical monument

we happened upon it once before when we were visiting the 9/11 memorial

our past visit it wasn't open for tours- this time we got lucky. 

this city has a lovely way of mixing modern/historical architecture. 

here are a few interesting facts:

completed in 1766

it's a national historic landmark

george washington worshiped here following his inauguration

other notable visitors: prince william, lord cornwallis, grover cleveland, george h.w. bush, hillary clinton (among others)

this chapel is the oldest public building in continuous use in all of new york city

when 1/4 of nyc was destroyed by the nyc fire of 1776- st. paul's chapel survied

when neighboring twin towers tragically fell on 9/11- st. paul's chapel survived

initially 15 fences surrounding the chapel were used as a memorial for 9/11- by the end 400 were needed. 

the interior still houses incredible 9/11 mementos. 

it's quite the place- here it is. 

it's new neighborhood 

few headstones had completely legible inscriptions

here is one of the survivors

bell of hope

a gift from london

  in remembrance of 9/11 

the interior houses a very solemn 9/11 collection

"healing hearts and minds" exhibit

patches sent from firefighters all over the world

the 343 represents the number of service men and women lost during 9/11

this experience was a very humbling one for me. 

a very sad one too.

aw-inspiring. 

my heart will always hurt for the 9/11 victims and their families.

there is a feeling in this area like none i have ever felt before. 

every person on the planet should feel such a feeling- because it makes you see the world in a different way. 

it makes you love and mourn for people you don't even know.

history has a way of teaching lessons about indescribable things. 

here's hoping we all learn valuable lessons from the past. 

this day history taught me a new way to love.