Page:Suggestions on the Arrangement and Characteristics of Parish Churches.djvu/43

43 by a due proportion of ornamental accessories. It is true that, in most cases, these details cannot be afforded at first; hence it is the usual expedient to abandon all idea of the ornamental features, but to have the cut stone exterior at least. It would be much more consistent and economical to abandon the cut stone altogether, if its natural complement of decorative detail cannot be provided. I am very far, indeed, from recommending the execution of the most single ornament before the completion of all the essentials of a Church. I would not lay a chisel to a single corbel or crocket till everything necessary for decent order and propriety was secured; but I would make ample provision for giving to a Church, whenever God blessed us with the means, its due share of artistic beauty. In the matter of cut stone exteriors this provision can be amply made, by leaving nearly all the ornamental details undressed in “block.” They can then be finished whenever means permit.

I think a clerestory an indispensable feature in a large city Church; not only on accout of the majestic height it gives a building, but because it will be found the best place for the admission of light, aisle windows being very often rendered impossible, or considerably obscured by surrounding buildings.

As several chapels, to be used as chantries and for special devotions, may be attached to a large parochial Church, they should be all well defined in the external elevations, but should be kept in due subserviency to the main parts of the structure. This will produce a variety of grouping which, I think, gives the most picturesque effect to a building.

I expected to have added some observations on a very necessary arrangement in our Churches, and that is, the classification which modern usages and feelings, but more