Excerpt of Foreword

Rev. John J. Ryan, I.P.P.

“St. Paul Church, Cambridge, Mass.: Description, Exterior and Interior”

Cambridge, Massachusetts; October 13, 1924

FOREWORD

       The present booklet is given publication at' the expressed wish of His Eminence, Cardinal O'Connell. After listening to a report, by the Pastor, of the work on St. Paul's Church, then near completion, His. Eminence enthusiastically said, "The edifice you describe, Father Ryan, is a book in stone, and must be put into print. At the first opportunity, I enjoin you to write what you have said to me, and a great deal more; for I see that you have indicated but the merest outline of the effort put into the church. It would be an absolute loss to leave unrecorded the lessons conveyed by that edifice, interiorly and exteriorly embodied in symbol- ism and embellishment. All this, I repeat, should be prepared for the inquiring public."

       The frank opinion of the Cardinal so freely spoken, was wholly unexpected; it was, therefore, most gratifying.

        At the first free time, the Pastor set himself to writing an account of all that had been achieved by the erection of St. Paul's. The labor proved not a task, as perhaps one might suppose, but most pleasurable because the mental review of plan and detail, of decoration and furnishings, appeared like building anew without the worry and toil required by the actual construction of the edifice.

       Cardinal's words became clearly understood, and anxiety grew that the descriptions set down might fail their purpose, namely, to illumine the faithful and any others who should desire to know the meaning or significance of the illustrations and emblems of Christian teaching.

       Reports of the beauty of the church had found their way to the public. Although time is demanded for thorough workmanship, especially where there is artistic detail, interest grew apace, until the wish was expressed most urgently to have the church opened Much remained for the workmen to do; furnishings in large measure were lacking, so that it was a real difficulty to find a way to gratify the public request.  For the reasons stated, the dedication of the church must be deferred until the Fall, but the delay seemed too long.  Easter Sunday 1923, the doors were opened.  The faithful crowded the service.  Their enthusiasm was overflowing.  They came with friends for Vespers, and the number of visitors was such, that to accommodate all, it was necessary to leave open the church into the evening hours.  Many sought a printed explanation of all they beheld.  The assurance of a booklet, explanatory of everything to be seen in their church, was welcomed with joyful satisfaction.