Girls Join Historic Choir at St. Paul's Cathedral

For the first time in its 900-year history, St. Paul's Cathedral featured female choristers in its celebrated Christmas Day service. This historic moment came as two girls who joined the choir in June sang alongside the traditional choir comprising adult and child members. The performance took place under the iconic 365-foot dome, crafted by renowned architect Christopher Wren after the medieval cathedral was decimated in the 1666 Great Fire of London.

St. Paul's Cathedral, completed in 1711, is a landmark in London's financial district and echoes the architectural grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Known for its majestic dome and protected views, the cathedral has endured through significant historical events, notably surviving relentless bombings during World War II. It has hosted numerous state events, including the weddings and funerals of royalty and national leaders, cementing its status as a space for both worship and national memory.

Among those interred within its hallowed walls are prominent British figures such as Admiral Horatio Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, with Wren himself laid to rest there. A nearby plaque thoughtfully honors him with the inscription, "If you seek his monument, look around," alluding to the breathtaking architecture surrounding visitors. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)