The Washington herald., 1906-11-30
RYAN GIFTDEDICATED
PrelateS 0fficiate at Rich
mOnd Conservation.
IS FINEST CHURCH IN SOUTH
Cathedral, Suggested in 1865, and
Its Construction Begun in 1856,
Through Generosity of New York
Financfer-Stands in the Heart of
Fashionable District of the City.

Richmond. Va. Nov. 29.-With the most
ulustrious prelates Of the Catholic Church
In America participating, the Cathedral of
the Sacred Heart, the gift of Mr. and Mrs
Thomas F. Ryan was dedicated here to-
day
The ceremonies. beginning with the con
secration at s O'Clock this morning and
followed at II o'clock by pontifcal high
mass, attracted a large crowd to Rich
mond Mr. and Mrs. Ryan came from
New York to attend
Cardinal Gibbons. Apostolic Delegate
Falconio. and many archbishops and bish-
ops from all parts Of the United States
were conspicuous figures in the services
State and city officials, including Gov
Swanson and the mayor Of Richmond.
and host Of prominent laymen were as
signed special seats in the cathedral, ad-
mission to which was strictly by invita-
ton
Edtfice Contemplated in 1868.
y cathedral such as Nj. Ryan has
made possible was contemplated by
Mgr. McGlH, the Confederate" Bishop Of
Richmond. in 1860. who purchased the
eastern portion OF the block on which
the granite pile now stands. The remain
der OF the block was purchased by Bishop
Keane in 1856 Bishop Van De Vyver was
enabled through Mr.. Ryan to begin the
building Of the cathedral five years ago.
The corner stone was laid on June /, 1913.
by the late Father Conway. Of the Jesuit
Order. at that time stationed at ST. Igna-
thus Church. Eighty-fOurth street and
Park avenue. New York City.
The immense stone pile occupies a
picturesque as we'll as a commanding 10
cation, embracing an entire block IN the
heart Of the fashionable part OF Rich
moRd and facing upon Monroe Park WITH
its acres Of grass and trees.
Interior of Cathedral.
As one approaches The main entrance
as far away as half mile, the great
dome. surmounted by a massive cross,
looms up and commands attention and
admiration. Leaving the avenues and
entering the park, through the trees, the
broad portico, the twin towers, and the
cloistered walkways are seen, and the
charming Italian Renaissance archltec-
ture appeals delightfully."- to the eye.
On entering the cathedral. the scene is
not less plEdSllle5s LUA AAAC ft+Es~ AAtNf ~ @--
ed with soft light, stretches away 10 join
the transept and choir, more than 200
feet away, bathed in the subdued glow
from the stained glass windows above the
altar.
On the walls Of the north and south
aisles appear the stations of the cross, IN
beautiful bas-relief, while beloware placed
the confessionals. At the east end Is
built the organ loft, in which one OF the
most magnificent organs in the country
has been installed, the design being in
perfect keeping with the architecture Of
the building.
Bishops Throne and the Altar.
At the south end is the choir, surround
ed with a great iron grille, and containing
the simple yet handsome altar, with its
great bronze crucifx and candlestands.
To the right OF the altar. facing the east,
stands the bishops throne and the stalls
for the priests, while opposite IS set the
pulpit with its graceful sounding board