Cape Cod Church Visit

Our road trip stops usually include museums and local places of interest, but very few places of worship. However, we visited a most unusual church on our July road trip to  Cape Cod, MA. The Church of the Transfiguration is a contemporary expression of a Fourth century basilica. It was an unexpected visit, which I read about in a local brochure. 

So on a rainy afternoon, we were given a tour given by one of the resident sisters. These tours are scheduled at various times during the day and we made the last one of that day. 

The church buildings were constructed from Minnesota limestone and completed in 2000. It took 11 more years to complete the inside artwork. After we entered the church, we soon knew why, and you will too.

The Church of the Transformation common area, The Green

The Church of the transfiguration stands at the spiritual center of the Community of Jesus, an ecumenical Christian community in the Benedictine monastic tradition that has been on the shores of Cape Cod for over 40 years. Daily prayer and worship services include Holy Eucharist, Liturgy of the Hours (sung in Gregorian chant) and choral Evensong.

The church interior is filled with hand-crafted mosaic and frescoes as well as glass and stone artwork.

The Atrium serves as the main entrance to The Church of the Transfiguration

Our guide led us along The Green, a common area, until we arrived at the Atrium. This courtyard surrounded by three covered walkways is the main entry to the church. This area serves as a gathering space that celebrates and gives thanks for creation, and also as a transitional space of preparation for worship upon entering the church.

Adam and Eve carved on bronze doors

The story of creation culminates at the doors of the atrium, with the sculpted images of Adam and Eve on carved bronze doors standing under the shade of the Tree of Life. The bronze doors were done by Romolo Del Deo, an American sculptor and artist, best known for his bronze sculptures that put a contemporary spin on the classical.

Baptismal font at the church entrance

The baptismal font is made of marble, bronze and glass and is quite beautiful. The candle visible above was hand poured by one of the resident sisters. It was beautiful, but I neglected to get a close image.

The mosaic floor tiles are hand cut marble and depict the Tree of Life. Some of the tiles refected New England wildlife and marine life such as whales, dolphins and horseshoe crabs. The fruits of the Holy Land are on the left and the fruits of Cape Cod are on the right. Together they make up the Fruit of the Spirit.

The Church of the Transfiguration altar

The mosaic tiles used in the area surrounding the altar consist of hand cut pieces of glass. We learned that each piece was individually laid in place.

Some of the tiles were very whimsical and included a dragon, unicorn and horse as well as other animals. 

The frescos along both side walls were all hand painted and represent scenes from the life of Christ, interspersed with a procession of saints to New Jerusalem. Italian artist Silvestro Pistolesi  used local residents as models for the initial drawings.

100-foot bell tower with 10 bells

The 100-foot bell tower houses a set of 10 bronze bells, which were cast by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London, England. This foundry also cast Big Ben and the Liberty Bell and provided the bells for the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., and St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey in London.

The angel sculpture atop the bell tower was fashioned after the angels of the seven churches of the Book of Revelation. 

In keeping with the theme of the angel, seven of the bells are named for churches in Asia to whom the letters were sent via their angels: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. The other three bells are named for local churches and towns: Orleans, Eastham and the Community of Jesus.

Unfortunately, the bells were not rung during our late afternoon visit, perhaps another time.

There is a gift shop on the church grounds which sells products made by the sisters and brothers who reside on the church grounds. While I'm unsure of the exact number, about 25 celibate brothers live in the Zion Friary and 60 celibate sisters live in the Bethany Convent. Products sold in the gift store included music CDs recorded in the church, homemade jam, granola, mustard and soap. My purchases were soap and mustard.

Church of the Transfiguration interior views

According to the church website, the 200 professed Community of Jesus members come from a wide variety of denominational backgrounds and occupations, and include celibate brothers and sisters, married couples, and single adults. 

This photo collage shows other things we did during our 3-day Cape Cod road trip, a getaway to celebrate Grenville's 🎂birthday. We went to a nearby beach area, took a narrated excursion ride on the Cape Cod Central Railway, enjoyed breakfast at The Pancake Man, and ice cream at Penguins Ice Cream where else?

Thanks to everyone for your condolences on the recent passing of my friend and of a fellow blogger. 

Your kind tcomments were appreciated.