CELEBRATE CATHEDRALS

For centuries, temples were built as a place of worship where both pilgrims and the ordained asked for God’s forgiveness, guidance and grace. From the bare rock altar of Mt. Moriah, the house of God has transformed into behemoth structures that strike worshipers in awe as they approach its portal and enter its nave.

The towering belfry's and colossal central dome stand as landmarks seen from afar giving direction to the house of God built in the center of the city. Stone carved images of saints, angels, gargoyles, floral arches, and other images stand guard on its façade.  Interior walls are lined with colorful stained glass illustrating biblical stories that touch the hearts of both illiterate and literate worshipers. Massive stone statues sculpted from marbles stand guard the side isles all the way to the apse. Candelabras, retablos and ornate carvings glittered with gold. Marble floors of different colors and geometric shapes greet the weary feet of every pilgrim while ceiling frescoes depict impressive heavenly stories.

For decades, the church has just remained a place of worship, a place to hear mass, receive the sacraments, and conduct outreach projects. However, in recent years churches have adopted a more dynamic use of its place of worship. 

St. James Cathedral of Seattle has made well its use of its place to celebrate the wonders of religion other than the Eucharistic liturgy. Through its music program, St. James conducts religious concerts inside the cathedral during the Lenten and Christmas seasons and in-between. Unique are its several pipe organs which adorn its interior. Two huge towering pipe organs stand against its West Gallery and East Apse. Designed by its first Music Director Dr. Franklin S. Palmer and built by Hutchings-Votey of Boston the plan

was based on 19^th-century tonal designs and consists of 51 ranks of pipes over four manuals and pedal while the latter was built by the Rosales Organ Builders, California is of a 20^th-century style consisting of 49 ranks of pipes over three manuals and pedal. It also equipped with a four manual control console that links with the Hutchings-Votey Organ.

St. James has gracious music organ donors. It was given a 12^th century replica organ which has three ranks of copper pipes powered by two hand bellows and a set of hand cast bronze bells built by Frans Bosman of Portland, Oregon in 1984 ; a 15th-century table organetto which has  a hand bellow providing wind to its one rank of wooden pipes spanning two octaves. It was built by Katrin Haspelmath of Walsrode, Germany in 1992; a 17^th-century portative organ with three ranks of pipes built by Alfred Fuhrer

in Bremerhaven, Germany in 1979; a 18^th-century portative organ built by Laukhuff/Zukerman with three ranks of pipes, with divided stops for flexibility, and a shifting keyboard for a lower “Baroque” pitch;  a  “Robl” organ which has seven ranks of pipes distributed over two manuals and pedal. It was built in 1980 by Frank Robl, a Cathedral parishioner. St, James also has a harpsichord and synthesizer keyboards.

Over the years, the Cathedral’s music program continued to grow. It has established: the Cathedral Choir, The Women of St. James Schola, Cathedral Soloists, the Cathedral Brass, and the Youth Music Program. All perform separately, in different combinations or all-together in a concert.

It’s most recent musical was the “Great Music for Great Cathedrals” to celebrate cathedrals all over the globe with religious music written and sang during its period.  The musical ensemble was directed by Dr. John Savage. A true genius who also saw to it that the choreography, stage, and light effects synchronized with the music.  All the cathedral organs mentioned were used during this concert.

The stage moved from one floor space to another for each piece. The main stage was set in the altar crossing. The performers sang along the side aisles, nave and also encircled the audience seated in the transepts. The brass and choir played and sang along the East Apse and West Gallery. The colored lights and images were projected in the interior walls, columns, organs, statues and ceiling setting the right mood for each musical piece.

The costumes and stage props were all hand made and donated by parishioners. Volunteers of all ages were all there to support the event.

Taking part in this musical was an unforgettable experience. Listening to the solemn voices of the sopranos, tenors, bass, and the ensemble was very touching. Dr. Savage conducted each piece with so much passion that it transcended through all the performers and lauded by everyone who watched the show.

Like the early pilgrims who first set their eyes on the great cathedrals, I too was struck in awe but with the angelic voices of the St. James choir and its magnificent pipe organ music throwing me back in time to the great cathedrals splendor.

“. . . and so with all the choirs of angels we join in the unending hymn, we praise you, and with joy we proclaim.”

What a great way to celebrate in church as a community.