I noticed that JD N, Jager Pete, Nydia and Gina have reviewed a few churches, so I decided to write one of my own. Epiphany is one of the most impressive church buildings in this city in my opinion. However, what makes this a bit different than most of the other churches that were reviewed because of their beauty or appearance is that Epiphany isn't old and loaded with statues and ornamental architecture, but it's relatively new (built in 2001) and simpler-looking. From the exterior, this church looks like a large, relatively boxy stone and glass structure. However, when you're inside the 1,200 seat sanctuary, there are wooden slats that form a huge arch over the congregation, making it feel almost like a gothic-style building inside. The church is built in the form of a cross (baslilica-style) so there is seating in front of and to both sides of the altar. The crown jewel is a 61 rank pipe organ which was designed and constructed by the Ruffatti organ company of Italy (they also built the pipe organ for Robert Schuller's "Crystal Cathedral" that you may have seen on TV). Much time and effort was spent to ensure that this church is nearly acoustically perfect, and that the organ, sound systems and the structure itself are all integrated. If you drive around back, you'll see the old church that this congregation used prior to the construction of the current building. The former church is tiny by comparison and when looking at it, you quickly realize how far they've come as a parish since they were in that original structure.
Masses here are a bit too traditional for my liking, there are still some responses in Latin and not a lot of opportunity for the congregation to participate. Pity, as the building itself is pretty spectacular. They do have organ concerts and other activities here on occasion, and from what I understand the organ itself will be featured for the full hour on a radio program called "Pipedreams" on National Public Radio (NPR) on the weekend of February 9. http://pipedreams.publicradio.org/listings/2009/0906/ read more