Washington, D.C.—The highest elevated point of Washington, D.C.,
the "Gloria in Excelsis" central tower of Washington National
Cathedral, sustained significant damage in the 5.8-magnitude
earthquake that struck Tuesday afternoon. Mason Foreman Joe
Alonso is currently assessing the damage to the Cathedral
building with the help of other Cathedral stonemasons and
structural engineers. Three of four pinnacles (corner spires) on
the central tower have been damaged. Specifically, three
"finials" (capstones shaped like fleurs-de-lys) have fallen from
them, with more significant damage to two of the pinnacles.
Similar decorative elements on the Cathedral's exterior also
appear to be damaged. Cracks have appeared in the flying
buttresses around the apse at the Cathedral's east end, the
first portion of the building to be constructed, but the
buttresses supporting the central tower seem to be sound. No
individuals were injured either within the Cathedral or on its
grounds. Despite some cracks on upper floors in the in