Clarksville weekly chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 1873-1890, 1878-07-20
Trinity Church.

The structure erected for the con-
gregation of Trinity church, Clarks-
vile, Tenn, is of ranged rock
masonry obtained from the natural
formation of blue limestone which
prevails in the vicinity. The stone
is of soft grey tint and trimmed
with dressed stonefrom the Bowling
Green quarries. 1t presents deli
cacy of tone ratheT than severe con-
trast. The architectural treatment
in the detail of the building is con-
fined to that period of Gothic archi-
lecture designated the second and
third periods in Gothic art in Eng
land, which succeeded the Norman
towards the end of the 18th century,
and merged into the decorated at
the end of the 18th.
The peculiar and beautiful char
acteristics of these two periods of
English Gothic are the forms of the
mouldings, which produce strong
effect of light and shade; circular
windows, which prevailed in this
more than at any other period; win
dows pierced with circles, trefoiIs,
quatrefoils and the like, thus form
ing the commencement of tracery.
The roofs are all high-pitched and
all carvings are remarkable for bold
development and finish; and merg-
ing through the transition period to
that of the decorated, this style
exhibits the most perfect develop
ment of any period in Gothic archi-
lecture.
AS specimen of pure and unde-
filed construction, Trinity church is
a fine example of Ecclesiastical
architecture; no shoddy, terra Gotta
on galvanized iron except in parts
appropriate; no false show and mere
constructing of ornament. AS true
to art as natureis trueto herself, this
church must stand preeminent in
the dioceses as an example of good
taste, sound judgment, mechanical
skill and.architectural beauty. The
church edifice in plan measures
JOG feet.
Upon both sides of the apsidal-
formed chancel which is a penta-
hebron, and deeply recessed, are
two small transepts which, by
treatment of plan, develope into
chancel aisles, and are adapted by
parclose screens for a vestry room on
one side and an organ and choir up
on the other.
The windows, seats, and gas STAN
dards, cOrOnas, and other fixtures
are rich and in good taste, which re-
quire the walls to be eventually
in richly colored poly-chro-
matte mural painting. The rich
effect upon lighting the church was
upon by all, and so by
night or by day, the magnificent
structure stands the test of the
Severest criticism.
The height to the apex of the roof
IN the interior is 50 feet, and the
height to the springing is % feet.
The roof is open timbered and moul-
led-panelled and is light and airy,
md devoid Of that overpowering in
1uence caused by overlooking the
ceiling with dark masses of bulky
timber used without purpose to OBJ
ain effect irrespective of the true
principles of constructive art. Much
could be said in regard to the unde-
7eloped beauty of this church struc-
,ure, which will grow with the
growth and influence of the church,
md much should be said of it, that
/ good example should be felt
the diocese upon all
similar improvements.
SOlidityiOfcOnstruction, durability !
If material, economy of cost, beauty {
If form, and judicious and prudent {
in execution marks
very step and development OF this :
truthful piece of Gothic Ecclesiasti- +
al Art.