Fine Piece Of Architecture

FINE PIECE OF ARCHITECTURE

Description of the New St. Thomas Church

SOON TO BE DEDICATED

It will be One of the Finest Churches in the State

Ann Arbor's Pride

The new Catholic church in Ann Arbor, undoubtedly the most beautiful and one of the most costly in Michigan, will become still more celebrated on Sunday, Nov. 26, when it will be dedicated to God by Most Rev. John Ireland, of St. Paul, Minn., Rt. Rev. Bishop Foley, of Detroit, Rt. Rev. C. P. Maes, of Covington, K.,and Mgr. Conaty, D.D., president of the Catholic University of America. These prelates will be assisted by some seven or eight more bishops and about 50 priests, who have already accepted invitations to be present.

The building when frescoed will cost about $75,000, and is the most exsensive and distinguished improvement ever added to the already classic Athens of the West. It is not possible within the bourne of this article to do full justice to the new church, which s a work of classic and medieval art in all its features. lts style of architecture is strictly Romanesque. The building stands in the middle of a block, all by itself, and is visible from every point of view. In fact, the rear view, which is obtained from the Huron valley and the Michigan Central railroad, is considered by many to be the finest view of the edifice. From these points, can be seen to advantage the stately tower, which is 125 feet high and coped with ribbed Bailey Blue stone and supporting a huge stone cross. There are three large towers and two smaller ones. In the larger or main tower there is an Italian Renaissance campanile spacious enough for the largest chime of bells and well provided with electric lights. There are two more campaniles in the rear towers. The main roofing is all oíd Spanish tile with o ld English crosses on the gables, except the N. State st. turret, which is covered with stone. The building is otherwise constructed of field stone and Bailey Blue sandstone. Full advantage of the possibilities.of this same field or granite stone has been taken in the work and in consequence we have a charming variety which in no way detracts from the solidity. As far as the sill-course the stone work is all rock-faced or rustic; above the sill-course is random ashlar, while the first story of the main tower is coarse work. There are four main entrances through polished Quincy granite columns, which are surmounted by carved Roman capitals, and these in turn carry immense granite and sandstone arches. Three of these entrances are in front, and one on the east side. Altogether there are 14 granite columns and 14 sandstone columns. There are two large vestibules, the floors of which are laid in Italian Mosaic aud the ceilings turned in faultless Roman groin. The main aisle is also laid in Italian Mosaic. What might be called a spacious foyer runs under the gallery and round by the Windows in the main body of the church, and is set off from he auditorium proper by 11 large Pavananza marble columns.

The ceilings of the foyer are treated in a similar manner to those in the vestibule. The interior, all in white, is most beautiful. The oíd Roman groin or vaulted ceiling is found everywhere,and lends a peculiar grandeur especially to the great span which carries the center dome. The marble columns have early English Gothic capitals and from these rise cluster columns which carry the heavy ceiling trusses. A heavy frieze studded with electric lights is found on both sides of the church. The electric fixtures are of old black iron and are so distributed that an equal light may be found in every part of this house.

The woodwork is all quartered sawed oak.of dark antique finish. The pew, whioh affords a most comfortable sitting, is plain and massive, with an old Greek cross cut in the top part. In fact, simplicity seems to have been aimed at everywhere, and the effect is astonishing,

The stained-glass windows have not all been put in place, but there is a guarantee that they will be very fine. Raphael's St. Cecelia will be seen in the front rosette window, Murillo's Immaculate Conception in the east rosette window and, an Ecce Homo in the west rosette. The five large chancel windows will contain representations of the Nativity, the Crucifixion, the Ascension, St. Edward and St. Joseph. The stained-glass windows, the altar rail and the marble altars have all been donated. The altar rail is a special design and gold lacquered.

The three marble altars are of fine white Vermont marble, whïch is far more expensive thau the Italian. It is not so lively, but its chaste whiteness makes it more desirable for the purpose of an altar. The main altar will stand 16 feet high. The big pipe organ is likewise finishen in white, and towerg all the way to the ceiling. The building is heated by direct and indirect steam. It is 155 feet long, 90 feet in the transept, and will seat about 1,000 people. The grounds and walks surrounding the church are as beautiful as the church itself aud give it a jewel setting in a green sea.