Page:Suggestions on the Arrangement and Characteristics of Parish Churches.djvu/23

Rh end, &c.—the tower may consistently be placed wherever is most convenient; and in the old Churches we find towers in all positions except one, and that is the east end of the chancel. It is certain that the preservation of the east window was the object in avoiding that position.

Having now completed a view of the general arrangements of parish Churches, I am anxious, before calling your attention to their architectural characteristics, to make a few observations upon some articles of ecclesiastical furniture, which should always be provided for in the arranging of a Church. I do not mean to deal with the artistic embellishments of the subjects to which I shall refer, because they would carry me far beyond my limits, and because it is the intention of our society to put forth distinct treatises upon them. I shall merely speak of some of their essential proprieties.

The first and absolutely indispensable item of ecclesiastical furniture is the altar. The proper place for the principal altar is, of course, the chancel and towards the east end. A passage should be between it and the east wall, as the Roman Pontifical prescribes that, in the consecration of a Church or of an altar, the bishop shall pass round the altar several times. This passage will be also found of use to the sacristan, in making his arrangements about the altar. The altar should be raised above the general level of the chancel, as the chancel itself should be raised above the nave; one or two steps may be sufficient in cases of necessity, but three is the most significant and graceful number. I suppose it is almost superfluous to observe, that the proper