The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City was the site of pop singer Elton John’s 60th birthday party on March 25.

Details about the celebration were reported in several articles on the singer’s official website. “Elton marked the eve of his 60th birthday last night with a star-studded private dinner for friends and family in the world’s biggest cathedral,” stated one of them.

According to the website, the guest list included Tony Bennett, Pierce Brosnan, Michael Caine, Lawrence Fishburne, Whoopi Goldberg, Kid Rock, Sharon Stone, Billie Jean King, Donatella Versace, Barbara Walters, Robin Williams, Bette Midler, and Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne.

Guests arriving in their limousines entered the cathedral through steps lit with glass-screened church candles, and walked down the aisle of the nave past pews adorned in pear blossoms to their tables in the nave. The altar and sanctuary were converted to a stage for performances by Sting, Paul McCartney, and the rock group Scissor Sisters.

The New York Post reported that “in keeping with the religious atmosphere, tables were adorned with silver drinking chalices.”

Worshipers leaving the 6 p.m. Evensong service told the Post they were appalled by the spectacle, but the cathedral has been hit by a severe cash crunch, forcing the dean and chapter to rent it out for concerts and plays.

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