Built between 1892 and 1939 in a rural landscape, the Bryn Athyn Historic District contains rare and outstanding buildings in the Beaux Arts and Arts and Crafts styles whose unique designs, symbolism, and building materials represent achievement of the highest national rank. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark in 2008, it includes Bryn Athyn Cathedral and several Pitcairn family residences, including Cairnwood, a 19th century Beaux-Arts country house built by John and Gertrude Pitcairn; Bryn Athyn Cathedral, a medieval-style house of worship dedicated in 1919; and Glencairn, completed in 1939 as the home of Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn and now a museum of religious art and history. Bryn Athyn was founded in the late 19th century as a religious community by members of the New Church, and the designs of Bryn Athyn Cathedral and Glencairn evolved gradually through the use of scale and full-sized plaster models rather than predetermined architectural plans, with craftsmen contributing creatively alongside designers in workshops and studios built on site.