Tag Archives: December

San Francisco ~ Saints Peter and Paul Church

There was so much to share from my extended weekend in San Francisco in December and then Christmas took over as it should. Now that life is a little slower I’ll share another beautiful church I visited.

The present church, with its twin lofty spires that soar 191 feet into the sky, was completed in 1924. For over a century, the church of Saints Peter and Paul has served parishioners, charmed the numerous tourists who visit it daily, and has been an inspiration to the members of North Beach community. A ribbon verse from Dante’s “Paradiso” spans the facade and translates:

“The gory of Him who moves all things penetrated and glows throughout the universe.”

This mosaic inscription placed just above the three entrances to the church connects the four large pillars upon which rest the symbols of the four Evangelists: Matthew (An angel), Mark (A lion), Luke (An ox) and John (An eagle). Original plans, regrettably laid away to rest, called for spectacular outdoor mosaics covering the entire facade. The twin spires (191 feet) have become a landmark in the area. The church is 100 feet wide and 160 feet long. The magnificent rose window measures fourteen feet in diameter.

Fridays Fave 5 ~ December 19th

Lots of favorites this week for ellen b. From the top collage…

1. I was able to finally see St. Johns Seminary in Camarillo when invited to a Christmas Music Program there. I’ll post more photos in the future of the beautiful church and grounds. The grounds are private and not open to the Public very often.

2. I met my beautiful niece Annie at a great British Pub in Fullerton, California for lunch. We don’t see each other often and it was nice to catch up. The Old Ship British Pub was great, too. They have authentic British food and ale in British Pints. I want to go back and have some Sticky Toffee Pudding.

3. That’s Willow taking her life in her hands to get a photo of the snow on our California Mountains on our walk yesterday. Bloggers taking photos no matter what the cost is a favorite of mine during any week!

4. Yippee, I get to see these three this very day! My brother Leonard, his wife Mandy, and Miss Hope, their almost 1 year old daughter, my niece. They are here in Southern California from Dallas until Christmas day. I’m spending the day and then spending the night in Huntington Beach because tomorrow is the big family cooking day. We are making Vareniki for our Christmas Eve celebration. I want to kiss Miss Hope’s sweet cheeks!!

5. Snow! Hearing about the snow at my home in Washington and seeing the snow on the mountains in Southern California!

To see more Fave Fives or to join in visit our fabulous hostess Susanne at Living to Tell the Story.

 

San Francisco ~ Inside Grace Cathedral

The pipes to the Aeolian-Skinner Organ, the only one of it’s kind west of Chicago, heard in over 400 services and concerts each year.

Chapel of Grace, the oldest part of the cathedral features Connick windows, a 14th century Flemish altarpiece, and Lewis Hobart design.

The church is lined with different murals painted by renowned artists such as Antonio Sotomayor and John de Rosen. “Centennial Mural” shows the 1906 earthquake and the fire that destroyed the city, including Grace Church.