"Trinity Treasures" pre-performance docent-led tour on March 2, 2012
In 1901 Bishop William A. Leonard envisioned Trinity Cathedral as a significant church presence in Cleveland. He wanted also to relate the American Episcopal Church to its historic roots in the Anglican Communion, or the Church of England. In Leonard’s opinion that presence and that relationship would best be described in terms of Gothic architecture. Although the architect commissioned to design the building, Charles Schweinfurth intended to create a Romanesque masterpiece, he acquiesed to carry out the bishop’s plan. And so,Trinity became the gothic gem that it is.
The structure of the building was not enough. Trinity’s parishioners, some wealthy captains of industry on Euclid Avenue, the legendary “Millionaires” Row, contributed valuable works of art and priceless relics to complete the Bishop’s charge of connecting the past with the present. Paintings from the Renaissance, sculpture from the middle ages, and relics of the Holy Land added to the splendor of this spiritual landmark in downtown Cleveland. Join us on the tour of “Trinity Treasures”. See that the vision of Leonard and Schweinfurth continues to delight the eye and challenge the mind of all who enter Trinity Cathedral.
The structure of the building was not enough. Trinity’s parishioners, some wealthy captains of industry on Euclid Avenue, the legendary “Millionaires” Row, contributed valuable works of art and priceless relics to complete the Bishop’s charge of connecting the past with the present. Paintings from the Renaissance, sculpture from the middle ages, and relics of the Holy Land added to the splendor of this spiritual landmark in downtown Cleveland. Join us on the tour of “Trinity Treasures”. See that the vision of Leonard and Schweinfurth continues to delight the eye and challenge the mind of all who enter Trinity Cathedral.
Some interesting questions to ponder before your docent-led tour of the
"Trinity Treasures" at the March 2nd performance at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
| 
| 
| 
|
| Trinity Cathedral has two 15th century windows which are remarkable in their composition. Look closely at the individual parts to note how different each piece is from its neighbor. Often a work of art is more than the sum of its parts. Look for hidden images in plain view.
|
| The crucifixion and entombment window is a 15th century masterpiece created by an unknown Flemish artist. The composition has a three-dimensional quality in its use of a special metal technique. What metal is used, and what is the technique?
|
| Ten stones are inbedded in the Baptismal Font. If the font were being created today, these stones would not be available to us. Why is that?
|
| In addition to the Madonna and Child, the Puccio de Simone triptych depicts four saints:
|
Photography by Sam Hubish
Wayne and Martha Bifano are retired professional librarians from school and public libraries. Having worked as first person interpreters at Hale Farm and Western Reserve Historlcal Society, they have taken on a keen interest in Western Reserve history with emphasis on Cleveland from 1865 to 1910. As parishioners of Trinity Cathedral, they have researched the building of the cathedral, the specific characteristics of the stained glass windows and the site’s priceless works of art. Martha and Wayne enjoy retelling the annecdotes of not only the prominent folks whose names are well-known, but also the artisans and workers who fulfilled the dream of Bishop Leonard and Charles Schweinfurth.
