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Stargazing from 124-foot tower to highlight triple tour in Bryn Athyn It’s an architectural trifecta – with a celestial bonus – for anyone who hasn’t experienced three historic and venerable structures in Bryn Athyn. Cairnwood Mansion, the 1895 former home of industrialist John Pitcairn, Glencairn Museum, a 10-story Romanesque-style mansion complete with 124-foot tower, and the Bryn Athyn Cathedral, built more than 80 years ago with no right angles or straight lines, are partnering Oct. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. for a triple tour, music and food, and a little stargazing. The free tours are part of the “Best of the Burbs” special events sponsored by the Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Guests may start at any one of the three sites located on the same campus. Visitors to Cairnwood, 3032 Huntingdon Pike, will get to preview a recently-completed
video “Cairnwood: A Home in the Country,” tracing the mansion’s
history and that of the Bryn Athyn community which has strong ties to
the General Church of the New Jerusalem founded by Swedish scientist and
theologian Emanuel Swedenborg. Stargazing is on the agenda at Glencairn Museum, 1001 Cathedral Road, the 90-room former home of Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn built between 1928 and 1939. Now, as one of only a few museums of its kind in the world, Glencairn shares the history of world religions through its collections of sculpture, pottery and ancient artifacts. Known for its asymmetrical architecture, stained glass, carved wood and mosaics, Glencairn boasts a 124-foot tower where, on a clear night, one can see the Philadelphia skyline, according to Events Coordinator Reuben Bell. Glencairn will share that view - and a look at the stars – with Best of the Burbs visitors. Bryn Athyn Cathedral, 900 Cathedral Road, will open its doors as well, revealing a gothic and Romanesque style created by Boston architect Ralph Adams Cram, a noted Arts and Crafts-era, Gothic revivalist. Using modified medieval building methods, construction began in 1913. Taking a page from the craft guilds of the Middle Ages, Cram and Raymond Pitcairn, who was overseeing the project, used skilled craftsmen from Europe who were in the U.S. as a result of World War I. Shops were set up for stained glass, wood-carving, stone and metal work and the building of plaster molds. The cathedral was dedicated for worship in October 1919. Tours will include the church’s grounds and gardens. Information: 215-914-2984 or www.glencairnmuseum.org. For a full schedule of “Best of the Burbs” events, visit www.emcc.org.
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