Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1931-04-03
Chapel To Beautify Gsorgetown
Prep Grounds.

Financed by an anonymous donation of
approximately 100000 a new chapel. of
Italian Renaissance architecture and de-
signed with capacity TO seat 800 persons,
is proposed soon to take its place beside
the imposing Georgetown Preparatory
School Administration Building on the Rock
vile pike, Garrett Park. this county.
Anticipating settlement of the contract
within week, work on the new structure
Is expected to be started during the spring
months. The chapel will occupy the loca-
ton of the students tennis courts, just
north Of the present school building, with
its facade toward the boulevard.
Planned b. the Boston ecclesiastical archi-
tects, Maginnis & Walsh. the new unit
has been designed with particular regard
for its harmonious relation with the present
stru ture. The Italian Renaissance style
was resorted to instead of the Colonial type
Of the existing building as a design which
brings both buildings into perfect accord.
The building is substantially symmetrical.
but with enough variety OF mass 20 justify
the introduction of a slender campaniIe,
designed to incorporate chimes. The facade
of the building has two orders superimposed.
the lower corresponding in scale to that
implied in the portco of the school.
BY virtue Of the interior plan, which is
mOdfedly Bascilican, a cerestory is prOvid-
ed which is designed to give picturesque
variety to the interior and exterior effect.
Delicately carved enhancement, crowned by
segmental pedIment of sculpture, will fea-
ture the recessed main doorway, fianked
by columns. Above this will be tablet
oordered by pilasters in slight relief and
designed for Latin inscription. The nave
is to be terminated by gable in the center
OF which is placed large circular medallion
OF sculpture. The plaster treatment is
carried into the aisle walls with delicate
projections.
The exterior construction of the chapel
will be OF brick corresponding to that used
in the present school buildings, with trim.
mings of white marble.
The interior of the new structure will
be divided lOngitudinally into six bays.
Two large columns will be SO placed
as to form side ambulat0ries, in which
there will be no sittings On the axis of
these two ambulatories there will be two
chapels fianklng the main sanctuary.
On what IS Known as the epistle side OF
the proposed new chapel will be choir
capable Of seating AZ persons. Provision
Ior an organ IS made over the north vestl-
Oule porch. A similar porch on the south will
communicate with the priets' sacristy and
a staircase will lead from this to the altar
boys sacristy beneath.
The altar Is to be surmounted by semi
ba.uachln, the columns being of slender
diameter. In the east end of each aisle
OF the chapel will be niche for statuary.
Two confessionals will flank the vestibule.
Marble columns will support horizontal
entabiature, from which will spring the
semi circular barrel vault which crowns the
nave.
AS funds become available plans will be
made to erect other buildings in the George
town Preparatory School group. including
a gymnasium and dormitories. The tennis
courts. the site of which will be occupied
by the new chapel, will be shifted farther
to the north and it is planned to double
their present number.