Evening star., 1939-03-02
Rev. v.G.C.F. bratenah| |
Is Eu|ogized by
Bishop Freeman
Former Cathedral Dean
Called One of Choicest
Spirits | Have Known

The Right Rev. James E. Freeman,
Bishop Of Washington, yesterday
paid tribute to the memory Of the
late Very Rev. G. c. F.. Bratenahl,
dean of Washington Cathedral from
1916 to 1886, who died Tuesday at his
home at Bethesda, Md.
Bishop Freeman said: "The death
of Dean Bratenahl takes from the
world one of the choicest spirits I
have known. 1t was my privilege
to begin my close fellowship with
him when 1 first joined the Chap
ter of Washington Cathedral in
1922. Immediately the inexhaustible
knowledge he possessed of Cathe-
dral architecture and symbolism en-
gagged my reverent and profound
interest. Probably no one of the
clergy of his generation had studied
so deeply or extensively these sub
jects or had more accurate knowl-
edge concerning them.
He had been the close consultant
and intimate friend of Bishop Sat-
terlee in the early days when this
master builder planned for the
great Cathedral now rising on Mount
st. Alban.
Master of His Craft.
Beyond his wide knowledge of
cathedral architecture, he had
broad understanding of cathedral
polity. He was master of his craft.
In the early days of the cathedral
construction he was a guide to the
architects in all the intricacies of
its design and plans.
DR.. Bratenahl followed with me-
ticulous care every stage of the ca
thedrals development. He was
chairman of the Building Commit
tee and had life membership on
the chapter Characteristically mod
est and self-effacing, he sought no
praise for his work and always &C
corded to his associates credit for
the growing beauty of the cathe-
drals architecture. In the develop
ment OF the beautiful crypt chapels,
the noble choir and particularly the
splendid reredos, he was the guiding
spirit.
Il am deeply indebted to him. not
alone for his rare skill and refined
Judgment in all matters that per-
tanned to architecture and symbol
ism, but for his wisdom in every
thing that concerned ex cathedra
administration.
Had Excelling Gifts.
During the period of my episco-
pate and more especially in the
early days when I was attempting
to envision the cathedral fabric and
the place it was to occupy in the
life of the Nations Capital and the
diocese, his superior judgment was
OF infinite value to me.
Coming into the ministry as he
did after a long career in CONNER
cial life. he brought excelling gifts
to his office, both as rector of St.
Adams parish and later as dean
of the Cathedral.
He has made a great and lasting
contribution through his ministry
and service to the Cathedral. In
the diocese he was held by its three
bishops and clergy in warm and en-
during affection.
His name and his work for the
Cathedral will long be cherished by
his association on the Cathedral
Chapter, and his host of friends will
feel that in his passing the church
has lost one of its true and faithful
sons"
Rites to Be Today.
Funeral services for DR.. Bratenahl
were to be held at 2 pm. today in
St. Paul's Church. Cleveland, with
burial in Woodland Cemetery in that
city, The officiating clergymen in
clude the Rev. DR.. G. Freeland Peter,
Washington; the Right Rev. Bever-
ley D. Tucker. Bishop of Ohio. and
the Rev. DR.. Walter r. Breed, rector
of St. Paul's.
Among the honorary pallbearers
are DR.. Harry A. Garfield, DR..
Sterling Ruff1n and Charles H.
Merryman of Washington. Others
named include Alexander c. Brown
Edward R. Brown, Harry E. Shef-
Held, Fayette Brown, Harvey H.
Brown, jr.; William Howard Pres
colt, Jr.;; Chester K. Brooks, Elton
Hoyt. I'd; DR.. E. H. Gushing and
James R. Garfield, former Secretary
of Interior, all of Cleveland; Alex
ander c. Brown, jr.. Detroit. and DR..