I believe I inherited a lot from my dad. I like nature, but I also appreciate beautiful buildings and architecture.
A visit to Duke University and it’s surrounding. We stopped at Sarah Duke gardens. It was absolutely stunning!
Then we went to Duke Chapel. One of the most beautiful churches I have been in the US. Amazing architecture!
The architectural style of the Chapel is inspired by English Gothic and represents one of the last great collegiate Gothic projects in this country. The chief designer of the Chapel was Julian Abele, a prominent African-American architect in the firm of Horace Trumbauer in Philadelphia.
The Chapel is constructed of stone from the Duke Quarry near Hillsborough, North Carolina, located twelve miles west of Durham. The trimmings, lectern, pulpit, and the balustrade and vaults of the choir are of limestone from Bedford, Indiana. The walls of the nave and vaults of the nave and transepts are composed of Guastavino tile, a stone composite material. https://chapel.duke.edu/about-chapel/history-architecture
The Chapel seats about 1,800 people and stands 210 feet (64 m) tall, making it one of the tallest buildings in Durham County.
The windows of the Memorial Chapel are made of silvery tinted glass, a technique called grisaille, and the windows of the crypt are composed of purple glass and lead grilles.
Duke University Chapel is home to three outstanding pipe organs—each in a different style—that are used regularly for worship services, concerts, and teaching. A fourth organ is a movable “positive” instrument for accompanying smaller ensembles. The organs can be heard weekly in Sunday worship services, and also at weddings and funerals. In addition, the Chapel sponsors a free organ recital series featuring some of the world’s premier organists.
Also, you don’t have to be Christian to go and visit Duke Chapel ( I’m not!). It’s a gorgeous place and the trip to it is worthwhile.
Carolina Mom 