Washington National Cathedral

Cathedral Conservator John A. Runkle offers a video introduction to the three statues. Watch

On March 11, 2009, a special Evensong was sung to dedicate statues of John Donne, George Herbert, and Howard Thurman. The service reflected in words and music the significant contributions of these three men of letters. Their legacy is a reminder of the power of language to inspire God’s people.

The statues of these three prominent preachers and writers were sculpted by Chas Fagan. The figure of John Donne was carved by Malcolm Harlow and the figures of George Herbert and Howard Thurman were carved by Joe Moss.

Each statue is flanked by two shields carved with symbols of the respective figure’s life and ministry. Together, they evoke the redemptive message of the resurrection. Chas Fagan also designed each shield. Cathedral stone carvers Sean Callahan and Andy Uhl carried out the work. These new works are in place above the sedilia, the seats on the south side of the high altar.

Bishop of Washington John Bryson Chane officiated the service and Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III was the homilist. The Cathedral Boy Choristers sang at the service and Kehembe V. Eichelberger, from Howard University, was guest soloist. Special guests included Olive Thurman Wong, daughter of Howard Thurman, and Anton Wong, the grandson of Howard Thurman, as well as the Very Rev. Bernard Richardson, dean of the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel at Howard University, and Dr. Walter Earl Fluker, renowned Thurman scholar.