If you think substantial altars and altar rails are now a thing of the distant past, capable of only seeing much simpler or more mediocre manifestations today, then think again. Here is just a small sampling of some of the new work that is taking place today, and these coming from only one of the many firms doing work in this area: Duncan G. Stroik Architect. Never underestimate what is possible.
ALTAR RAILS
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| Shrine to the Sacred Heart, St. Louis, Missouri |
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| Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, Wisconsin |
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| Thomas Aquinas College Chapel, Santa Paula, California |
What I like about each of these examples are the variety of colours and materials found in their composition. This helps to make them visually interesting and aesthetically appealing. What's more, they are also very substantial in their design, which is not only pleasing to the eye but also pleasing from a liturgical/theological perspective, visually setting apart the altar and sanctuary from the nave. At one and the same time it both sets it apart and also has an effect of drawing one in.
ALTARS
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| Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, La Crosse, Wisconsin |
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| St. Joseph's Cathedral, Sioux Falls, South Dakota |
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| St. Theresa Church, Sugarland, Texas |
Two of the altars shown here have something of the character of Roman spoila in their form, while the last draws from the tradition of the confessio with its relics visible within. All of them are quite appealing, classical and substantial.
Very nice work all around.
