The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-02-28
st. Paul,s Cathedral.


church in the world.
1t is one OF the most conspicuous objects In the
British capital and stands in the very centre and
most elevated part OF the city. The edifce Is en-
trey built Of Portland stone and the plan OF the
Latin cross, form which approaches to perfection
expands easily to the eye Of the spectator and ex-
hibits its beautiful combinations at view. The
best authority that exists illustrative of origin Is
ts great restorer Sir christopher Wren. His opinion
that there had been church on this spot built by
Christians IN the time OF the Romans was confirmed
when he searched for the foundation OF his own de-
sign. lie exploded the notion that there had been
once temple OF Diana on the SPOT. The first church
Is supposed to have been destroyed during the DlO
clctian persecution ana to have been rebuilt IN the
reign OF Constantine. 1t was again demolished by
the Pagan saxons. The See OF London was estab.
tabished by Augustine OF Canterbury when the
Anqlo-Sax0ns first embraced Christianity ana a
church again built on the site by King Ethel.
bert who dedicated 1t TO st. Paul the APOSTLE The
structure was afterwards enlarged.
The cathedral and a great part or the city was
destroyed b, ire In 1885, after which Maurtius then
BisnOp OF London, commenced the magnificent edi.
dral The memorable iire OF 1868 destroyed the
cher part OF old St. Paul's and lrreparably dam
aged the remainder. design was approved by
royal warrant In 1875 for the commencement of
by Sir Christopher Wren. The choir was frst
opened for divine service on the occasion for thanks
giving i0a tne peace o, hysw VIC, IN 1897. TOOK
The whole length OF ST. Pauls with pOrticO Is 500
feet; width OF the western front with the towers, $50
feet and length Of ranseps within doors of pOrtico
$50 feet; circumference OF building. 1900 feet. At
entrance OF nave and transepts rises magnificent
dome, 145 feet In diameter from the top OF which
springs lantern enriched with columns and sur
mounted by gllded ball and cross.
The Religious Services.
Aside from the choir. which was reserved for
the Queen, the Prince OF Wales, and other mem.
bers of the royal family, the arrangements for
seating in every other part OF the cathe-
dral were made by the Department OF Works
at public COST under the direction of the LORD
Chamberlain. The display Of knightlv banners,
stars ana orders, brilliant uniforms, magnl dcent
toilets; beauty, rank and fashion, was very
grand. Representatives OF ruling pOtentates,
exlled princess and nOtablities from every part OF
the world were present TO Join in the services
Besides these seats were provided for both Houses
Parliament, foreign Ministers, the peeresses, the
civic officers OF London, the representatives OF the
army, navy, bar and civil service, the mayors Of
Great Britain and Ireland and other bodies selected
10 represent the nation.
The services were conducted under the dome Of
the cathedral by the Archbishop OF Canterbury
special form OF prayer and servlce-assl5ted
by the Dean and Chapter OF st. Paus, all the pre-.
ates OF the established Church In attendance and
a large number OF the clergy.
The "Te Deumo was sung by powerful and
select choir; but there was departure IRON the
programme observed at the Thanksgiving for the
recovery OF George III.-namely, the absence Of
5000 charity children who joined In the chorus dur
Ing the services IN $780,