New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-04-28


were everywhere, yet the eve was not offended, but
wandered from object to object with increasing In
terest From the roof of the sanctuary, Immediately
over the High Altar window, scarlet drapings were
suspended spreading from the middle OF the arch 70
the capitals of the columns on either side. Inc
margin of the hangings which fell In festoops was
adorned with gold bullion DrapIngs Oh the
same style and material stretched from
pinnacle TO pinnacle of the reredos' through
ont it's whole extent, around the High Affair
70 the affairs of the Blessed Virgin and St. John on
either side Of the sanctuary. Directly in the rear OF
the High Altar, extending the width Of the Altar,
and rising at its highest point TO the cupola OF The
tabernacle was large crimson screen in the shape
of half MOON the margin Of which was richly EN-
broidered with gold. From this bright background
the Altar with its lights aad flowers stood out IN al
most startling relief as did the massive cruelD1
above from the screen that drapel the High Altar
window. The tabernacle was plain white and gold
On its roof stood bra1en crucifix and behind the
crucifx bed where red and white roses blies ana
pinks, slips of green and flowers OF every kind
doomed To the right and left OF the tabernacle
were two massive seven-branched candlesticks hold
ing lighted tapcrs. Lower down were similar
branches. somewhat smaller in size. In two brazen
vases al each extremity of the altar were Two lofty
pyramids of flowers the submits crowned with
cross of lilies Other vases filed with similar pSra
mids. though smaller in SIZE were interpreted be-
tween the branches of candlosticks. Each OF these
lesser pyramids was covered by an open lily
Besides the multitude of lights on the High Altar
rasefs branched ont nj intervals from the reredos
that surrounds the sanctuary aud the side affairs OF
the Virgin and IT. John were illuminated. The
pulpit was covered with velvet of dark red color
fringed and ornamented with gold. The panels OF
the Cardinals throne. at the Gospel side OF the
Altar ito the left of the congregation, were filed
with red velvet, while the dark polished
oak OF the woodwork relieved here and there
| with gold molding or ornament. Opposite to this
throne on the Epistle side OF the sanctuary throne
had been prepared for Archbishop Bayley OF Balt-
more. This throne stood on "a level with that of the
/ Cardinal but had woodwork or decorations
1t consisted entirely Of a canopy of dark rcd vel
vet, with hangngs of the same material Three
steps led up from the floor Of the sanctuary 10 both
( the thrones Near the Paschal candle, on the
Gospel side Of the altar stood email table prepared
for the reception of the Papa brief and the scarlet
berretia Extending down from both the thrones, to
the edge Of the sanctuary rows of benches and
chairs which had been prepared for the prelaies,
with their chaplaiDs aud who were 20 take part III
the ceremony.
The only portion Of tho Cathedral outside the sane
tuary which showed any sdOrnment was the choir
gallery, extending the church over the main
! entrance The front of this gallery was covered
With rich velvet hangngs, and from the center over
the entrance, hung the Pspsl colors with the golden
crose-keys The general effect of the decorations of
the sanctuary not glazing as might have been
expected from the cOlors most in use. The chaste
design and quiet tone Of the altar ed reredOs took
away every indication of garish die. lay, while the
lights though abundant, were not too numerous 70
destroy the general effect.