The Detroit times., 1911-05-17

beauty andl Inspiration. The specia
feature OF the conservation OF this
church however. Is that II is more
than parish church. With this In
mind, present 10 you a few thoughts
upon the significance and the purposes
OF "A cathedral.
Architecture Is the expression In
concrete form OF the peoples senti-
ments, interests and character. While
Il Is true that the vitality OF religion
cannot be measured by the size OF its
churches, Tor we well know that some
OF the purest and best religious work
has been done through the humblest
buildings, nevertheless, this Is on the
whole Is true that when a people
really appreciate the beauty and glory
OF religious faith, they turn into the
construction OF its temples some or
the best OF their thought. taste and In
terest. The construction OF this beau
tiful church gives notice to this COM
munity that the people of the church,
expressing as they trust the sentiment
OF the citizens, are glad TO put them
selves, their wealth and art into ex-
preston through stone and glass.
The thought. however, that want
especially To press home. Is this--that
the erection OF cathedral expresses
also in concrete terms the form OF
the church's life. During the two or
three centuries OF American civiliza-
ton, the religious work and workman
ship has been through parish churches
and ministers.
To be sure, there Is the Roman
church, which by its cathedral, par
ish churches and educational institu-
tions presents TO the American peo-
pie a strong front, because OF its
united organization. There are, how.
ever. we believe, in that church GER
tain errors OF Christian doctrine and
weaknesses OF organization, not the
least OF when is the recognition OF
the Italian and not the American
headship, which unless radical
changes come to pass, can never be
essentially an American church, fitted
for democracy where the laymen
have their full part in the legislation
and administration of the church.
This church has. believe, duty
to the people OF this country-to ex-
press herself and her administration
In architectural form. Just as the
statehouse in its architecture pre-
sents TO the community the demo-
cratic administration, it's executive
chamber, and it's halls OF Legislation.
so the cathedral may present to the
people OF the diocese its form OF ad-
ministration.
Has not the church been too ready
at times TO content herself with aim"
and hospitals and homes, and not at
tackled the problem OF poverty. at It's
sources? Today again we rejoice that
the church is aroused Experts with
I'm and without are telling us OF better
methods; sympathetic Christian men
and women are giving thought and
time and life TO this noble work. The
church may well keep her doors open
for all wisdom and experience that
others have TO give. She has her
duty also In the Interpretation or
Christian charity to the community
One note Is that the charity OF ex-
pediency is not real charity but sim
ply state safety. She has her part to
teach that the essence OF Christian
charity is in the giving of such spir-
itual vitality, such character, and In
Offering the conditions and instrument
talities for these that the vital queS-
ton In charity is not that OF silver
and geld or expediency or state safety
but the new life which comes from
the sympathetic spirit OF the Christian
and from the very heart OF Christ.
Behind and beneath all forms OF help,