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Limestone Building Traditions Feature Site
Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior
and the Gothic Revival Style
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The romantic and religious Gothic Revival style
was used for a variety of structures in Faribault, including buildings
associated with the various educational institutions and occasionally
private homes. The Episcopal Cathedral of Our Merciful Savior was
built toward the end of the style's popularity, but the impressive
structure clearly reflected the Episcopal Church's English associations
and the significance of America's first Episcopal Cathedral. Although
the cornerstone for the church was laid by Bishop Henry Whipple
in 1862, scarcity of funds meant the the building was not completed
and consecrated until 1869. The bell tower was completed in 1902
The cathedral bears many hallmarks of the Gothic
Revival style, including the use of stone, steep roofs, towers and
pinnacles.
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| Interior as well as exterior spaces
make use of the classic, pointed arch form characteristic of the Gothic
Revival style. While architect James Renwick, Jr, who also designed
St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York, is attributed with the design,
local architects were also involved in the cathedral's construction,
including C.N. Danielas of Faribault. |
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Stained glass windows are also a prominent Gothic
Revival feature. Many of the windows are gifts from community members,
including the "Good Shepherd Window" behind the altar,
a gift of Rev. Ezekiel Gilbert Gear, the first Episcopal clergyman
in the the area. The carved stone altar depicts Michelangelo's "The
Last Supper."
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| Additional information about the history
of the Cathedral, including detailed photographs of the Cathedral
and the Memorial Guild House is a available from the Whipple
Sunday website. |
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