The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in Upper Manhattan will be open from end to end for the first time since its restoration following a devastating fire that damaged ancient tapestries and a 8,500-pipe organ.
A celebratory rededication is planned for Sunday at the Gothic Episcopal church, called the largest cathedral in the world.
The entire length of the 601-foot-long building will be open. A temporary wall had halved the cathedral, concealing the scaffolding set up for the restoration work. The fire originated in the gift shop on Dec. 18, 2001.
At Sunday's celebration, the restored 98-year-old Skinner organ will be played for the first time since the fire. All of its pipes were removed, cleaned and reinstalled.
Every inch of limestone, marble and granite surface also has been cleaned.
The ceremony will begin with a procession of bishops and fire department members who helped battle the blaze.
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