Evening star., 1923-02-07
PLAN NT0C0MPLETE
GREAT CATHEDRAL
ATS10,O)O,0DOCOST
Funds to Be Raised, Nation
ally for Huge Edifice on
Mount st. AIban.
BEAUTIFUL STRUCTURE.
TO RIVAL WORLDS BEST
Urged as American Shrine, Like
Westminster Abbey, for Burial
of Celebrated Dead.
BY the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
Plans for immediate completion OF
a great American national cathe-
dral, larger than Westminster Abbey
and rivaling the celebrated struc-
lures of Europe, were announced
here today at the annual convention
OF the Episcopal diocese of Wash
ington, held in the Church of the
Epiphany.
Costing ten million dollars. and
with it's great central tower rising
above the Washington Monument,
the great edifice is planned to take
in the hearts of Americans the place
which the old abbey occupies among
the British nation; to probably be-
come the final resting place of Amer
ica.s celebrated dead and as "a wit
ness for Christ in the capital of the
Nation
The plans contemplate more than
a diocesan cathedral-they embrace
a national shrine.
Backed by Convention.
Although the construction of a
Catheral on the heights OF Mount
St. Alban has, been going on slow
ly for some time, it was not until
very recently that it was decided to
raise the funds to complete the edi-
flee Immediately as a national un-
dertakinS.
Making the announcement today
the Rt Rev. Alfred T. Harding.
Bishop of Washington, pointed out
that at the last General Convention
OF the Episcopal Church both houses
unanimously adopted resolution
which "commends the erection with
out delay at the capital of the Ma
ton of. great cathedral to witness
to the spiritual ideals Of America"
This" said Bishop Harding, lis the
basis of the appeal we are now MAX
ing to the churchmen and church
women Of our land. We are con-
WINGED that this witness for Christ
in the capital of the nation will be
potent agency in lifting the minds
of men to spiritual realities and thus
eounteract@ tire trend SO evident in
our time toward materialism."
Begun Under First bishop.
Beginning in a comparatively small
way. the first Bishop of Washington,
the late DR.. Henry Yates Satterlee.
made it his life's work to acquire
and pay for the site, which has
grown until now it comprises sixty
four acres. on the heights Of the
northwest section, overlooking the
Potomac and with the National Capt.
tai spread below in panorama. AL
ready on the property is a school for
girls. it's building the gift of the late
Mrs. Phoebe Hearst. There is also a
boys school, the building for which
was given by Mrs. Harriet Lane
Johnston. niece of President Bu-
chanan, in memory of her two sons,
James Buchanan and Henry Elliott.
The bishops home, which stands In
the Cathedral Close. was the gift of
Mrs. Susan Evelyn Murray.
In the little sanctuary stands an
exuuisitely carved stone pulpit. which
ultimately will be placed in the COM
pleted cathedral. 1t was presented by
the archbishop, dean and chapter of
Canterbury Cathedral, England. A
great stone peace cross also stands
in the grounds, erected at the close
of the Spanish American war and
dedicated by the late President Nc
Kinley.
Design Called Most Beautiful.
The cathedral has been designed
architects, the late George F. Bodley.
and his American associate, the late
Henry Baughan. 1t has been pro-
nounced one of the most beautiful
in the world. 1t will be seen that
in it's great proportions the cathedral
will be larger than Westminster Abb
bey. for its whole length, outside
measurement. will be 500 feet, its
width 135 feet. It's great central
tower will rise to $50 feet and its
twin front towers will be 1875 feet
tall. The massive central tower
erected on the great eminence will
have an elevation of 644 feet above
the city of Washington, making it
the most conspicuous and command
ing object in the capital.
Foundation Complete In Year.
The apse. already erected. was the
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