The Washington times., 1904-05-08
APTISMAL FONT
FOR CATHEDRAL
OctagOnal Basin Contains
Stones From Jordan.
A FIGURE OF THE CHRIST
Viii Be Dedicated Next Thursday
With Appropriate Exercises-Other
Episcopal Services.
"A FIGURE OF THE CHRIST

Next Thursday May u, besides being
the church festival OF the ascension,
will be observed in the diocese of Wash
ington as Cathedral Day" The ser
vices will consist in the annual meeting
OF the National Cathedral Association
which has representatives in prominent
American dioaeses, corporate communion
in the Little Sanctuary" the first
open-air eVensong of the season, and
the dedication of the Jordan font. now
temporarily in place in the newly erect
ed baptistry.
The Jordan font was given to the Ma
tional Cathedral Of SIS. Peter and Paul
mainly by the children Bishop Satter-
Ice has baptized or confirmed during
his ministry as priest and bishop The
font was designed by William Ordway
Partridge, the noted American sculptor,
of New York. OF the purest white Car
rara marble. the font is octagonal in
shape. fifteen feet in diameter. and
raised on three steps. Stone steps in the
interior lead down TO the water. so If
the canonical use of immersion in bap-
usm is requested 1t could be permitted.
Figure of Christ.
The center of the font is graced by a
life-size figure CT the Christ, with right
hand appraised as he utters his last com
mand TO his apostles. so symbolic Of
the purpose Of the font. Go we. there
fore, and teach all nations, baptIzlng
them in the name Of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Ghost" In
the other arm he holds little child ten
derry and closely.
There IS no halo about the head. con-
trary to conventional forms. but this is
because it is the risen Jesus who is
typihed. The figure stands on a rock
the canonical use Of immersion In bap-
tism, symbOlizing the living water so
emphasized by the primitive church
The interior of the font is lined with
a mosaic OF stones brought from the
Jordan River for that purpose They
are the gift of an Eastern dragoman
and their associations with those first
Daptlsms along Jordan are most inspir-
ing.
Panels of Font.
The eight panels Of the font are en-
blematic with the principal events I'm
the life of the Christ from birth until
his second coming. In the corners Of
the octagon stand the apostolic figures
Of the saints. Peter. Paul John. James
of Jerusalem. Mark. Matthew. Luke, and
that of Joseph Of Arimathea. whose mis-
sionary work in Glastonbury holds a pc
culiar interest to the builders of this
American cathedral Of IS. Peter and
Paul
Few. if any. baptismal fonts large
enough for immersion have been built
in the days OF Christian art and this
font witnesses the privilege of the pros
pective Christian 10 have baptism ad-
ministered either by immersion or pour
ing. as provided for by the church.
For safekeeping, until the great cathe-
dral is built, baptistery situated in the
center Of the cathedral grounds, fifty
feet in diameter, has been erected as a
temporary structure, so the font may be
used a. occasion requires. and also to
protect this beautiful art treasure from
injury.
The Evensong.
After the meeting of thu Cathedral As
ISOLATION and the celebration of the
holy eucharist, the open air cvensong
viii be held at 3 o'clock. During this
service the font viii be consecrated and
Immediately following II the first bap-
tismal service with the Jordan font VIII
occur. This will be an immersion. and
the presence of the great congregation
that will assemble will make il I'M
usually memorable Bishop Williams. OF
Marquette. has accepted an invitation
10 preach the sermon, and all the clergy
OF the diocese win be in the procession
Several city boy choirs and a compile
ment Of musicians from the Marine Band
viii provide the music and IL IS ex-
pected that the event viii attract null
titude to the cathedral close At the
open air evensOng during the All-Ameri-
can conference last October, congrega-
ton OF over 1900 persons was present
and this May ascension service promises
to be a notable success. Mrs. Roosevelt
Will probably attend, and possibly the
President also. If his official duties per
nit.