EXCERPTS FROM ARTICLE:

December 30, 2003
Architect's Comments on the Renovation of the Cathedral of St. Augustine

The challenge to design a new interior for the Cathedral was a formidable one. The original gothic church, built in 1865, was not designed as a cathedral. This presented various problems which could not have been considered at that time. Furthermore, it was not possible to either retrieve or duplicate the original artwork and accouterments since most had been removed and/or destroyed in the 1978 renovation without any record of the original work available. Consequently, Bishop Lori asked me to "start from scratch" and to bring back something of the gothic splendor of the original church in a beautiful, contemporary vernacular so that while respecting the rich architectural legacy of the past we employ the language and technology of today...

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Henry H. Menzies is the architect who designed the new interior for Saint Augustine Cathedral. This article is his description of the project, which provides a virtual tour for readers who have not yet visited the renewed and restored church.)

Read the entire article, click here.

Design Credits

Model and photo:
Nick Panettieri