New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-30

the site and terms. An answer was returned
10 secure the property and the purchase was
made by the Bishop upon his return The site
was then remote from the built-up section, out
IN the last twenty-eight years the city has ad-
vanced so that the neghborhood has become
residential one. The site also faces the large
and superb Branch Brook Park, now being con-
structed. which is one-third the area OF Central
Park and the Cathedral will overlook the en-
tire city The Cathedral on this commanding
eminence will be striking object in land
scape for miles
PRIESTS CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUND.
It was Bishop Wigger who gave vitality to
the project of a cathedral. In 1897 the Bishop
announced to the priests of the diocese that the
time had come to carry the plan into execution.
He had long considered 1t in all its phases and
he felt satisfied that the clergy and laity would
take II up ard carry il through successfully.
The priests responded enthusiastically. and at a
meeting in the Catholic Institute offers were
made by them from their individual means that
highly gratifed the good Bishop These In
Guided large percentage Of the annual income
OF the priests. The Bishop also received sub
stantial assurances from wealthy laymen Of the
diocese The plans were drawn by jeremiah
O'Rourke. and were accepted with some neces-
sary notifications, and the work Of excavation
was begun without delay. AS Bishop Wigger
had believed. the financial part Of the under
taking has proved q success, and there is no
doubt that all the funds necessary will be forth
coming
Monsignor George H. Doane, the pastor of st.
Patrick's Cathedral parish has taken a deep
personal interest in the new Cathedral since
the date Of the selection Of the site and has
most efficiently aided Bishop Wgger TO whom
the construction Of the edifce will be the
crowning work Of his diocesan administration
II would be hard to distinguish any one priest
Of the diocese as especially active. the whole
body Of the clergy has given to the Bishop an
earnest and self-sacrifcing cooperation.
PLAN OF THE CATHEDRAL
The new Cathedral will be combination Gothic
OF the style OF the thirteenth century, and will
have two grand towers. It will be a typical
Roman Catholic Cathedral complete in all parts
with nave and aisle. two transepts a large
cnsncel with ambulatory and spacious atrium
ana vestibuies. Around the chance ambulatory
VIII De eight chapes. two of which will open into
the transepts. One of the chapels will be large
ano VIII be supplied with separate sacristy
s mu d ,clolstered passage connecting with the
future Episcopal residence to be built adjacent to
ts So, Ira The present episcopal residence
10 seton han. In South Orange
Ire foundation walls. which are now nearly
JnpieIeu ere OF granite. The total interior
~ ne - e,sn,y-six feet and the interior width
Tenor length Of the building exclusive Of the
'front.' atrium and Lady Chanel. will he 25S feet
d En .ne t0taI exterior width across transepts
100 feet The exterior length from front to rear
walls 300 feet; height OF nave ceiling 95 feet:
height OF aisle ceiling 20 feet The tota, floor
area or the nave and chlncel will he $4,000
square rect and there will be seats for 1900
ana standing room for $500 additional
THE TWO TOWERS
OF the two towers. the eastern or "Gesu'. tower
VIII consist Of four square stages. one octagonal
stage and spire and will be about $50 feet
meh The second tower. called the "B v NJ"
tower VIII have three square stages two oc-
az Eonai stages and a spire, and will be about
op rect nigh Both towers will be Of stone.
Ihey VIII he Of different design the eastern
~. V"er 10 represent strength and dignity, and
the western tower elegance and grace, the one
emblematc Of the Lord and the other Of the
Blessed Virgin Mary
mere VIII be three spacious front entrances
ana 'he exit Will be upon a large platform or
PIAZZA having three low steps to the street. The
vast tyfnpanum over the front entrance Will
De oass-rellefs In stone, or stained glass win
vows Inc transept entrances will be spacious
and VIII be similarly treated.
INTERIOR DECORATIONS.
Inc interior masonry arches will be Of the best
hrd-burned brick. The and chancel col
aims are 10 be Of polished Scotch or American
rec granite. and the carved caps will be Of white
marble The bases OF the nave columns will be
Oh granite moulded and finished. but unpublished:
Inc internal construction frame will be OF steel
and the roof covered with porous terra Gotta
ana blue and red slate. The main floor VIII be
OF marble as also the sanctuary and chapel rail-
ings, which will have bronze gates.
The windows will be filed with heavy stone
tracery. and the stained glass will show Script
1ral groups and symbolic designs. All the DOORS