September 29, 1990. Remembering the Setting of the Final Finial at the National Cathedral
I remember the day that the final finial was set atop the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. That day was a symbolic final chapter to my seven years working at the Cathedral as a stonecutter. I still keep in touch with the masons there, and I recently had a chance to reminisce on that day with the Cathedral's current Head Mason, Joe Alonso, who played a key role in placing the final finial.
The National Cathedral stands tall and majestic, its imposing Gothic architecture serving as a testament to human ingenuity and artistic brilliance. Countless hours of meticulous planning, precision craftsmanship, and unwavering determination have gone into creating this masterpiece. And on September 29, 1990 (eighty-three years to the day when the foundation stone was set), the journey reached its end. (Although the work would be set back years later when a 5.8 magnitude earthquake damaged parts of the Cathedral.)
Months of meticulous planning and preparations preceded this historic day. Skilled craftsmen, architects, engineers, and restoration experts worked tirelessly to ensure that the thousand-pound finial would flawlessly integrate into the Cathedral's grand design.
Dennis Rude and Joe Alonso at the Cathedral (2022)
Joe and I remembered the morning: sunny, hot for late September in Washington, a crowd of many thousands stretching down to Wisconsin Avenue, revving cranes drowning out the conversations. The symmetrical beauty of the Cathedral's spires, pinnacles, and flying buttresses. The final finial, meticulously carved and crafted, awaiting its ascent.
My role that day was spectator, while Joe's role was much more significant: he would be up on the scaffolding with Clerk of Works, Richard Feller and laborer, Otto Epps, who started working at the Cathedral in the early 1950's and retired after they set the final finial--he was 73 years old.
When the moment came for the crane to lift the finial, the crowd compressed as everyone pushed forward for a better view. Of course Joe knew the plan: President George H.W. Bush was giving his speech. The final words of the speech would be the queue for retired Cathedral Master Mason, Billy Cleland, to signal "go" to the crane operator.
“Eighty-three years ago on this spot, President Teddy Roosevelt said: ‘God speed the work done this noon.’ And today I say: ‘God speed the work completed this noon … and the new work yet to begin.’”
As the crane began its gentle ascent, the crowd held a collective breath. The finial, an intricate masterpiece of stone and artistry, swayed gently in the wind. Slowly, inch-by-inch, the finial neared its destination. Joe told me that they had done so many finial setting ceremonies that they had it down to a science by the time they did this final one.
Richard Feller, Joe Alonso, and Otto Epps (Cathedral Age)
I remember hearing Richard Feller's voice over the loudspeaker as Joe and Otto reached up to help guide the finial. As is typically done when topping out, an evergreen sprig was attached to the cable that hoisted the finial. Joe recalled that they had used a boxwood sprig cut from the bishop's garden.
I remember one funny detail of the finial setting moment: how Richard Feller barked out instructions to the crane operator over the radio (and subsequently over the PA system). I've known Richard Feller for many years, and Richard Feller has many talents. But giving instructions to a crane operator is not one of those talents. One of my favorite details captured in that photo of the finial setting is Joe's right hand raised high--signaling the crane operator. Seems Richard Feller's instructions, echoing from the PA, were not for the crane operator; they were for the crowd--and they loved every bit of it.
Joe pointed out another detail in the same photo: Otto is holding a silver trowel in his left hand. That was a ceremonial trowel, and it was the same ceremonial trowel that Teddy Roosevelt used on September 29, 1907 to spread the mortar of the Cathedral's foundation. On September 29, 1990, Otto used the trowel to spread mortar for the final finial.
A hush fell over the onlookers. Time stood still for a brief moment, as we witnessed the culmination of years of unwavering dedication. The final connection was made, and the finial was secured, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a legacy. A completed masterpiece.
With a renewed sense of purpose, I realized, and believe Joe and Otto and many others felt the same way, that my contribution as a stonecutter and stone mason has left an indelible mark on this monumental structure. I have played a part in creating something greater than myself—a testament to human aspiration and the power of craftsmanship.
It was a sight to behold, a culmination of years of hard work, vision, and unwavering commitment to preserving and honoring the Cathedral's heritage. From the first cut of the chisel to this final finial, every stone bears witness to the shared history of stonecutters, carvers, and masons. We have labored with love and respect for the craft, leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.
Dennis Rude
Stonecutter & President, Cathedral Stone Products
I am grateful for the privilege to witness that historic moment. I am grateful for the many memories I have of my time there and of the people I've come to call friends. The National Cathedral, with its final finial in place, stands as a testament to the triumph of human creativity and devotion—an everlasting monument to the spirit of craftsmanship and the pursuit of excellence. The National Cathedral had reached its pinnacle, reminding all of us of the power of human creativity and the indomitable force of faith.
