New Britain herald., 1930-10-08

New York, Oct. S.-"The Rocke- feller Cathedral" as megaphonists of the yap wagon call it. is com pleted. Gracing a slight rise on up- per Riverside Drive, near Grants Tomb, it's soft grey facade shoots up into the most restful spire in town, spire comparable to any Of Wren's in London.
 In my opinion it is the only re- ligious edifice outside of St. Johns and St. Patrick's in New York that has the sublimity and warmth of old world cathedrals such as St. Gudule or Rheims. The entrance is rep lica of the Chartres cathedral and the whole effect is Gothic master piece.
 The official name is Riverside Baptist church and it was built by the elder Rockefeller for pr. Harry Emerson Fosdick and his congrega- ton. The exact instructions are sai1 to have been Erect a fine church and send me the bill" The cost is estimated at from two to ten mil lions.
 The new church completes a triad of distinctive religious struc- lures the past year-the other two in the trinity being the Temple Elm manuel and the Church of the Heavenly Rest on upper Fifth ave- nue. The executive offices of the Drive church will be in the tower.
 And an interesting yarn is spun of the tower furnishings. Every thing had been installed. The elder John D. on his way to Tarrytown one evening stopped in to look things over. He clucked his tongue and shook his head. Next morning workmen descended and removed everything in waiting vans.
 MT. Rockefeller had decided 1t was not nearly fine enough for such a. magnificent exterior and that gives a general idea of the lavisi, manner in which everything has has been done. The Rockefellers- father and son-have shown unusu- al interest in every detail of the construction work.
 The senior Rockefeller visited it several times month, strolled among the workmen to chat, ask questions and encourage them. He has an expert knowledge of stone masonry. The son was a daily visi- tor. This scrupulous attention doubtless contributed much toward the marvellous result.
 But the biggest Rockefeller local improvement is, of course. the Ra- dio City struggling for shape in heart of town. Progress at present is only shown in vacant storeS across from St. Patrick's and tenn porary parking spaces and runt golf courses where buildings once stood. The section will have a hard times" look for many buildings are untenanted waiting destruction. Scores received big bonuses and moved out immediately.
 recently heard simile attri- huted to the Elder Rockefeller, which is as good as I ever heard. He spoke of something being as "plaintive as a lost sheep's baa."
 There are no fuss and feathers about young John D. He walks up the avenue window-shopping leis- urely every evening he is in town to his home around the corner in West 54th street. Many in his neighborhood do not recognize him. His home is not particularly pre- tcntious, Around his doorway or loitering nearby are always two guardsmen in plain clothes. MT. Rockefeller often stops to talk to a. venerable street sweeper in his block. He is seldom seen leaving his home after dinner.
 Those who know say John D. Jr. is the most dutiful of sons. He phones his father wherever he may be daily. He visits the family home at Tarrytown twice a week and