To conclude this brief description, we can choose no better words than
these: "Gloria soli Deo."
They occur on the roof of the choir at its junction with the nave, and
explain the unity and harmony which exists amidst all this diversity.
Each successive architect worked with this one object in view, the glory
of God alone, and so he did not ruthlessly destroy, but recognised the
same purpose in the work of his predecessors and endeavoured to blend
all into one harmonious whole, thus leaving for future ages a lesson
written in stone which churchmen of the present day would do well to
learn.
Early in the year 188--, I was appointed Precentor of this cathedral,
and in the course of duty was brought much in contact with Dr. F., the
organist.
It was my custom frequently, after service, to join him in the
organ-loft and to discuss various matters of interest connected with our
own church and the outside world. He was a most charming companion; a
first-rate organist and master of theory, and a man of large experience
and great general culture.
One morning, soon after my appointment, I joined Dr. F. with a special
purpose in view.
We had met to discuss the music for the approaching festival of Easter.
The Doctor was in his shirt-sleeves, standing in the interior of the
organ, covered with cobwebs and dirt, inspecting the woodwork, which was
getting into a very ruinous condition, and endeavouring to replace a
pipe which had fallen from its proper position so as to interfere with
many of its neighbours.
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