The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is a landmark in Upper Manhattan. Built in 1892, the building is among the top five largest church buildings in the world, and according to the church’s website is actually the largest cathedral in the world. The idea to build this cathedral dates all the way back to 1828, though the New York Legislature did not grant its charter until 1873, and the 11.5 acre site was not acquired until 1887. Today, the church holds more than 30 services a week, the kitchen serves more than 25,000 meals annually, and the buildings plays host to many community and school programs.     

In its more than 125-year history, St. John the Divine has suffered at least two fires. The first was in December of 2001, the second happened on April 14, 2019 – Palm Sunday. This is where our case study begins.