Intended for National Purposes

“No matter how many times he visited the National Cathedral, there was always something else to observe, to learn from, to wonder at” (186).

The Book

Murder at the National Cathedral by Margaret Truman (the daughter of President Harry S. Truman) opens with a wedding at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC and ends with the solving of two murders. One murder victim is found in the National Cathedral, another in an English countryside church. The story follows law professor Mackensie Smith, who is a recurring character of Truman’s, as he investigates the murders and provides legal counsel to the National Cathedral.

Truman does a good job of drawing the reader into the action. Several of the characters have already been introduced in previous books, but a reader does not need to know all the details while reading Murder at the National Cathedral. Any significant details are written in a way to catch a new reader up to speed and gently remind a returning reader.

The Place

In Pierre L’Enfant’s 1791 Plan for the City of Washington, he said, “This church is intended for national purposes…and assigned to the special use of no particular sect or denomination, but equally open to all.”

The Washington National Cathedral is a beautiful place to visit. The design reminds visitors of European churches, even though the National Cathedral was begun in 1907. It is a fully functioning church as well as a tourist destination. There is a fee for sightseeing, but if a visitor wants to worship or pray in the many chapels that is free.

The National Cathedral is located fifteen minutes northwest of the National Mall. There are several varieties of tours that are available as well as changing exhibits. The tours include behind the scenes, music demonstrations, the gardens, and a climb up to the bell chamber.