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Article FREEMASONRY IN ENGLAND. ← Page 5 of 7 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In England.
ballustrade . Above these columns is a range of pilasters with windows between , and from the entablature of these , the diameter decreases considerably , and two feet above that it is again contracted . Erom this part the extreme sweep of the dome begins , and the arches meet at fifty-two feet above . On the summit of the dome is an elegant balcony , and from its centre rises the lantern adorned with Corinthian columns , and the whole
is terminated by a ball from which rises a cross , both elegantly gilt . This noble structure , which is two thousand two hundred and ninetytwo feet in circumference , and three hundred ancl forty-two feet in height to the top of the cross , is surrounded at a proper distance by a dwarf stone wall , on ivhich is placed a magnificent ballustrade of cast iron , about five feet six inches in height , exclusive of the wall . In this inelosure are seven beautiful iron gates , ivhich together with the banisters , in number about two thousand five hundred , weigh two hundred tons and ei ghty-one
pounds . The cost of these gates was 20 U . Os . 6 « . In the- area of the grand west front on a pedestal stands a statue of Queen Anne , formed of white marble . The figures on the base represent Britannia , Gallia , Hibernia , and America . This and the other colossal statues with ivhich the building is adorned , reflect great credit on the skill of Br . Hill , who was chiefly employed iu the decorations .
On the summit of the steps at the west end , are three doors ornamented at the top with has relief ; the middle door , which is by far the largest , is cased with white marble , and over it a fine piece of basso relievo , in which St . - Paul is represented preaching to the Berenians . On entering this door the mind is struck with the nobleness of the vesta , an arcade supported hy lofty and massive pillars on each hand , divide the church into the
body and two aisles , and the view is terminated by the altar at the extremity of the choir . The pillars are adorned with columns and pilasters of the corinthian and composite orders , and the arches of the roof are enriched with shields , festoons , chaplets , and other ornaments .
In one aisle is the consistory , and opposite to it in the other is the morning-prayer chapel , each of these has a beautiful screen of carved wainscot , which is adorned with twelve column arched pediments . Further onward is the large cross aisle , between the north and south porticos , over ivhich is the grand cupola or dome . Here is a fine view of the whispering gallery , and the concave of the dome , which fills the
mind with surprise and pleasure . Under its centre is fixed in the floor a brass plate , round which the pavement is beautifully variegated , but the figures into which it is formed , can no where be seen to so much , advantage as from the whispering gallery . Erom this aisle is a full view of the organ , richly ornamenteJ with : carved work , with the entrance to the choir directly under it . The . two '
aisles on the sides of the choir , as well as the choir itself are inclosed by very fine iron rails and gates . The organ gallery is supported by eight corinthian columns of blue and ¦ white marble , and the choir has on each side thirty stalls beside ^ the bishop ' s throne on the south side , and the lord mayor ' s on the north' / The carving of the stalls as well as the organ , are much admired .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Freemasonry In England.
ballustrade . Above these columns is a range of pilasters with windows between , and from the entablature of these , the diameter decreases considerably , and two feet above that it is again contracted . Erom this part the extreme sweep of the dome begins , and the arches meet at fifty-two feet above . On the summit of the dome is an elegant balcony , and from its centre rises the lantern adorned with Corinthian columns , and the whole
is terminated by a ball from which rises a cross , both elegantly gilt . This noble structure , which is two thousand two hundred and ninetytwo feet in circumference , and three hundred ancl forty-two feet in height to the top of the cross , is surrounded at a proper distance by a dwarf stone wall , on ivhich is placed a magnificent ballustrade of cast iron , about five feet six inches in height , exclusive of the wall . In this inelosure are seven beautiful iron gates , ivhich together with the banisters , in number about two thousand five hundred , weigh two hundred tons and ei ghty-one
pounds . The cost of these gates was 20 U . Os . 6 « . In the- area of the grand west front on a pedestal stands a statue of Queen Anne , formed of white marble . The figures on the base represent Britannia , Gallia , Hibernia , and America . This and the other colossal statues with ivhich the building is adorned , reflect great credit on the skill of Br . Hill , who was chiefly employed iu the decorations .
On the summit of the steps at the west end , are three doors ornamented at the top with has relief ; the middle door , which is by far the largest , is cased with white marble , and over it a fine piece of basso relievo , in which St . - Paul is represented preaching to the Berenians . On entering this door the mind is struck with the nobleness of the vesta , an arcade supported hy lofty and massive pillars on each hand , divide the church into the
body and two aisles , and the view is terminated by the altar at the extremity of the choir . The pillars are adorned with columns and pilasters of the corinthian and composite orders , and the arches of the roof are enriched with shields , festoons , chaplets , and other ornaments .
In one aisle is the consistory , and opposite to it in the other is the morning-prayer chapel , each of these has a beautiful screen of carved wainscot , which is adorned with twelve column arched pediments . Further onward is the large cross aisle , between the north and south porticos , over ivhich is the grand cupola or dome . Here is a fine view of the whispering gallery , and the concave of the dome , which fills the
mind with surprise and pleasure . Under its centre is fixed in the floor a brass plate , round which the pavement is beautifully variegated , but the figures into which it is formed , can no where be seen to so much , advantage as from the whispering gallery . Erom this aisle is a full view of the organ , richly ornamenteJ with : carved work , with the entrance to the choir directly under it . The . two '
aisles on the sides of the choir , as well as the choir itself are inclosed by very fine iron rails and gates . The organ gallery is supported by eight corinthian columns of blue and ¦ white marble , and the choir has on each side thirty stalls beside ^ the bishop ' s throne on the south side , and the lord mayor ' s on the north' / The carving of the stalls as well as the organ , are much admired .