New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-01-26
ONE OF THE CATHEDRAL PLANS.
DESIGNS FOR A MASSIVE STRUCTURE.
A DESCRIPTION OF THE BU1LDING-soME OF
THE DETAILS.

A DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING-somh of
THE DETAILS.
The committee of the Cathedral of st. John
the Divine held meeting yesterday afternoon az
the Office Of tho Rev. Or. Morgan DIX, NO ~
Vesey-st. Nothing of importance occir"1 ~ ."e
meeting The plans which have been suDDht'eo
are now being unpacked and arranged for examination
This work. DR.. DIX said, would take several days
Circulars s 10 be sent out to all the architects VINO
are converting requesting their permission to put
their sir 8 on public exhibition. ~ Is thought
that few 4 any, will object to having this done.
One OF the designs submitted gives tho ground
plan, front and side elevations, longitudinal sec
ton and perspective Wow. The drawing shows
massive and imposing structure. At the front arc
two square towers with small spires running up
from the four corners of each. The usual plan OF
church is followed Above the junction Oh
the and transepts thero arises high tower,
running up with high spre. There is to DO no
apse, the architect calling attention TO the nconss-
tency of following the Roman traditions which arc
at variance with tho ritual of the Protestant Epis
copal Church. The ordinary nave and aisle plan
IS combined with a central octagon The benefit
Of this will BIO found in the nearness Of the cone
cation TO the pulpit. the inside diameter of the
octagon is seventy-four feet. The south is
forty four feet in width from pier pier Tho asles
on both sides OF this are unusually broad and might
be used for standing room in case of great crowds
The trtforia, the space between the vaultfng and
the roof Of the asles, be used for galleries.
with ample stsrways leading to them. Across the
south end Of the nave IS to be a gallery, designed
for the organ IL Is estimated that the internal area
south Of tho choir. including transepts and aiss but
exclusive Of trfora amounts to 80 600 feet giving
accommodation for 1000 persons Movable benches
chairs 10 be provided for tho seats Tho choir
is the north continuation of the nave from its Juno
ton with the transept There will DO accou,moda-
lions for the Bishop the clergy Of tho diocese and
tho choir. Behind this would como the rctro-choir
The architect suggests that the choir be separated
from the nave by light open screen work. with gates
OF metal The Bishops cathedra is 10 be at the
north end Of the stalls on the east SIDE Two
chapels open into the choir aisles, and there Is
small morning chapel tho southwest tower that
is directly TO the left Of the entrance. The south
east tower forms porte-cochere The clergy and
with the chapter house at the extrone northwest q
the west transopt by means Of clustered pas sage
The choir organ 10 be In the two north bays Of tho
central tower over the choir esles The great organ
VIII DO over the main entrance in the south gallery
The principal entrances are at the south end and
cap above running to point. staircases and
building at various levels To tho west Of tho south
nave Is tho clostergarth, surrounded the sides
The architect proposes that the walls be faced
with wrought stone, granite for tho inside, with
hnishings OF Wyoming Valley and Nassau biuestone
the inside 10 be OF Indiana buff limestone with marble
RIBS of Warsaw bnestone, the filings TO DO covered
with rich mosacs.
The plans show a structure massive and imposing
not unlike many Of the old English cathedrals Tho
entire building Is surmountcd at the edges by small
towers and spires The architect does not attamn M
10 give an estimate on the cost Of the Cathedral.