The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1906-02-11
MAGNIFICENT CHAPEL
IS NEAR COMPLETION
HALF-MILIIoN DOLLAR CATHOLIC
CHURCH AT LA CROSSE.
Interior Of the Chapel Of Perpetual Adj
Grafton, Being Built by franciscan
Sisters, Respondent with Beautiful
Work of Foremost Artists Will Be
Dedicated Easter Sunday.

In the city of La Crosse, Wis, there
Is nearing completion the finest Catholic
chapel In the west, the Chapel of Per-
petual Alteration, being built by the
Franciscan Sisters. When completed
for dedication next Easter it will repre-
sent an expenditure of 100000.
Little of the ornate interior Of the
chapel is betrayed by the plain brick
building, adjoining a palmer old CON
vent. OF solid material on the whole
outside, showing traces Of the magni-
1acent form, the interior is almost be-
You'd Imagination. The years Of effort
in the construction are illustrated
within and show the traces Of the ham
dicraft of the artist and the foremost
decorators in the entire country. It IS
this work which has delayed the rapid
completion and which has caused I'M
ceasing labor for over Ave years in the
construction, altho the foundation and
walls were erected in a. short space Of
time when the stability and massive
ness Of the chapel is considered
In Form of Cross
Built in TIC form of the cross, a. all
chapels and converts are, the present
addition to the old St. Rose convent,
Joins the old. Massive swinging doors
of solid steel connect the buildings, for.
fhe newer is entirely freproof in con.
struction, or as far 50 as human skill
can make it. The pews and a few Of
the wood carvings and banister rails
are of mahogany and might be de-
stroyed in event of fire, but the major
portion Of the building would remain
in spite Of the most severe ravages of
flames. ~.,s. ~
On entering the chapel from the old
main building, the eye is struck by the
grandeur Of the scene. Nine large pill
lars Of stucco on the right and left, an
almost exact reproduction of marble,
greet the visitor. Myriads Of lights re-
hected thru the panes Of colored glass,
representing biblical scenes, awe the
stranger. Thither and thither the eye
is attracted until one utterly is lost in
the blaze of art. .. .s-.......
The main aisle of the chapel, when
completed, will attract the visitor. The
colored window scenes are more elabo-
rate and portray q. great number Of
biblical characters. ..' -. !: )
The cupola, Of the most exquisite col
ored glass, reflects the light to the floor
below. There it blends with that COM
ing thru the colored panes. -'7 : p.
In the basement there is the third
chapel which at present is in use. The
altar here is not as elaborate as in the
chambers above, but fulflls it's purpose
Sc ~, Str
trast to the upper floors of the build
ing. The finish is in plain golden oak
and while rich in wood is an exact op:
posite of the stucco and GRANTEES and
marble limitations above.
Romanesaue Style.
Pure Romanesque style Of architec
ture is followed thruout. The tan col
umns with the arched~ ceilings, descend
ing into the stained-glass windows re
mind one. Of the ancient. churches Of
Rome. Above the sanctuary a cupola
also of colored glass, allows the light tt
penetrate, the myriad of colors blend
ing the rays of the sun into vari-col
ored light, pleasing and soothing to thu
eye. 5,a
In the main chapel the patio extend
uninterrupted from the floor. Arount
the walls, the balcony extends on thu
second floor, but the rotunda in th
chapel is unbroken from floor to cell
ing. Above the sanctuary, the heigh
e of the ceiling is increased, while in TIL
chapel of, perpetual alteration, the dis
tance between the floor and ceiling i
decreased. In the latter chamber tn
roof is circular in form, bending dow
almost to the floor, where it is met b.
the staunch straight walls.
Between the nine tall columns, com
posed of four shafts Of stucco initiating
marble, the ceiling is arched. TIL
arches end in meeting the sanctuary
this effect being found exclusively i
the main aisle. +
Beautiful Decorations.
The ceiling above is cream colore
with decorations in gold. The fresce
ing, completed some weeks ago, is don
In oil, gold leaf being used in the finish
ing. The frescoing is plain, the IL
terror of the large arches being rio
cream color, blending into the go1t
co1ored concentrations in the corners.
Along the sides of the main aisle an
between the columns and the walls, al
portraits of angels in stained glass wi,
dows. These are busts showing the pa
sion scenes There are six windows 0
each side.
Above the altar, located in the cas-
ern end, is reproduction in oil Of tf
4fGranting Of Indulgence of Fortune
celia In the far rear of the mai
aisle, the western end, is another groul
'tThe Assumption Of the Blessed vi
GIN This is directly above the q
trance. Below the painting ista fgul
in gold representing !" Moses in tt
Burning Bush.
The orders of the Franciscans a;
portrayed on each side Of the alta
slightly above the altar painting. e
the left is the 6 Institution Of the Sc
ond Order Of st. Francis, represen
ing the sisters, while on, the right Il
Third Order OF. st. Francis S
shown.
The city of La Crosse is justly pro,
Of this magnificent chapel, which yea
Of labor and lavish expenditure Of mo
ey are now bringing to completion.
Harry White, the president Of Il
Minneapolis Baptist Young. People
union, will speak at the Central Bapti