The Hawaiian gazette., 1910-05-06
CATHEDRAL WILL
Be BUILT OVER
Bishop Libert Has Ambitious
Plans for the Historic
Edihce.
WORK IS NOW UNDER WAY
Remodeled Structure Win BE of
Pure Gothic Architecture
Throughout.

Extensive alterations in the Roman
Catholic Cathedral are contemplated
by Bishop Libert, and when the work
has been completed the old church will
be one OF the most imposing ecclesi-
astical edifces in the Territory A start
has been made ON the alteration work,
and it is the intention TO carry on the
improvements gradually until total
metamorphosis shall have been wrought.
1t is the desire Of Bishop Libert to
change the structure from its present
nondescript style into a building Of
pure Gothic architecture. The start has
been made at the west portal, where a
new clustered front with Gothic arches
is being constructed Of concrete. This
work is rapidly nearing completion, and
despite the presence of the wooden
superstructure the building already pre-
sents greatly improved appearance.
As soon as the alterations in the front
have been completed a start will be
made on the next piece of work
1t is the intention to make the altera-
tons gradually, so that services can be
carried on all of the time, as there 10
no other building available for the use
of the congregation.
Just how much the alterations win
cost is yet uncertain, as the plans have
not been entirely worked out. 1t is
certain that good many thousand dol
lars will be spent on the building, how
ever. When the alterations have been
! completed the cathedral will not only
present greatly improved appearance,
but it will be much more roomy and
airy.
1t is the intention to extend the build
| Iicfo ba
present building will be given over to
] the nave, and the sanctuary will be in
the addition to be constructed at the
end. This sanctuary will be consider
ably more roomy than the present one,
and it is planned to have it artistically
decorated. The old tower above the
present sanctuary will be taken down.
But the greatest change in the APP
pearance of the cathedral will be made
| by the alterations Of the roof. The
| present roof will be removed entirely,
and in it's place will be put pure
| Gothic gable. This gable roof will be
many feet higher than tho present Gov.
ering and will give added air space
above the nave. At regular intervals
gable windows with air spaces will be
let into the roof.
The old gallery in the church will
also be done away with. At the present
time only about eighty of the gallery
occupants can see the high altar. In
/ place of the side galleries there will be
deep gallery at the west end, capable
of accommodating fully two hundred
persons. From this gallery will be had
an unObstructed view of the high altar,
| and furthermore there will be ample
ventilation. The increased height of
the roof will insure against extreme
temperature in the gallery on hot days.
A change will also be made in the
method of supporting the roof. 1t is
the intention to have only one row OF
pillars, and these will be so arranged
as to obstruct the view Of the high altar
| to the minimum.
The side walls of the cathedral will
also be remodeled. At present these
are unbroken and the confessional
boxes are little structures of wood
projecting out into the nave of the
church. It is the intention to cut
through the walls at intervals and to
build small ehapels extending out be
You'd the walls in semieircular or octag
onal shape. These will be fitted VI
for use as confessionals. This will give
absolutely clear space along the side
aisles of the building and will break
the outer walls in manner pleasing
to the eye.
The small windows which pierce the
outer walls will be considerably en-
larged. The new windows will be
Gothic in style to correspond with the
rest of the building and will be OF
, considerable height. Not only will this
!, make the interior of the cathedra
, more attractive but they will also give
/ the outside far better appearance.
!, AS soon as all of the alterations
have been completed the interior OF
, the structure will be entirely redecor
ated. Particular care will be used il
J the selection of the decoration schem,
, and from that standpoint at least TIL
i cathedral will take first rank among
, the church buildings of the Territory
Considerable time will be required
to make The contemplated alterations
/ but it is the intention to keep at worl
} steadily until the task has been fin