Update: 9/11 Event Won’t Be Held At National Cathedral Following Crane Collapse

WASHINGTON (The Blaze/AP) -- The Washington National Cathedral has found its way into the press a number of times over the past month. Unfortunately, most of these mentions haven't been for favorable reasons. Now, there's yet another less-than-favorable cathedral-related happening for press mention: A weekend event intended to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001 will no longer be held in the house of worship.

The collapse of a massive crane brought in to repair earthquake damage at the Washington National Cathedral has forced the commemoration with President Barack Obama has forced the venue change, organizers said Thursday.

Sunday's "Concert for Hope" will be held at the Kennedy Center. The president is still expected to speak at the event, which will also feature performances by Patti LaBelle, Alan Jackson and mezzo soprano Denyce Graves.

On Wednesday, The Blaze covered the debate surrounding the exclusion of evangelical Christians at the event -- yet another glitch in a string of bad press (and bad luck) that the cathedral has experienced.

The crane, which had been brought in to stabilize debris from the Aug. 23 earthquake, toppled over Wednesday morning. The crane operator was treated at a hospital for minor injuries and released.

The cathedral itself was not damaged, but buildings housing the headquarters of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and a gift shop sustained minor damage.

"We are grateful that there were no serious injuries in the crane accident, and while we are disappointed that we will not be able to host our `Call to Compassion' commemoration in the cathedral itself, we are determined to live out our mission to serve as the spiritual home for the nation as we remember the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001," Cathedral Dean Samuel T. Lloyd III said in a statement.

A Sept. 11 anniversary event scheduled for Friday at the cathedral is also relocating to the Kennedy Center. The "Concert to Honor" victims, survivors, their families, emergency responders and troops will feature Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Marine and Navy musicians.

The Kennedy Center will honor all confirmed tickets for the concerts.

A Sunday morning interfaith vigil, set for the times when airplanes struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and crashed in Pennsylvania, will move from the cathedral to the Washington Hebrew Congregation.