Founded 1909
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APPENDIX C
Description of the New Church* (1931)
By F. B. Gaenslen, Architect, San Antonio, Texas
The building, which will occupy the site of the old church is 65 feet wide at the towers and 135 feet long. It has a foundation and frame of reinforced concrete, walls of buff face brick and hollow tile with trimmings of light gray artificial stone. The roof is carried on steel trusses and covered with Spanish tile.
A wide flight of six steps leads to a platform between the towers, from which three double doors placed between stone columns give access to the vestibule at the ends of which doors lead to the baptistery and to the choir stairs. Three double doors from the vestibule lead into the auditorium, as also do doors from the towers.
In each side wall immediately adjoining the towers is a recess for a confessional and shrine. Near the Communion railing on each side of the church are vestibules giving side entrance to the church and the sacristies. The Communion rail extends across the church and within this on either side of the sanctuary arch are recessed spaces for side altars.
The nave has a curved ceiling, and the arches between nave and side aisles are pendant, this giving an unobstructed view of the altar from every part of the church. These arches are in harmony with the design of the building (modified Mission style).
In the sanctuary an ornamental high screen back of the altar forms a passageway between the sacristies. The sanctuary is well lighted and is entered through double doors from each sacristy. The choir occupies the space between the towers and overhangs the auditorium.
The floor of the front vestibule is of colored cement cut to imitate tile. The floors of the sanctuary and the auditorium are of oak. The windows are pivoted, glazed with ribbed glass, with provision for the future installation of art glass.
The building will be heated by gas-steam radiators. The electrical equipment is ample and modern with concealed lighting in the sanctuary and at the side altars.
*From Dedication Souvenir of the Church of St. Philip, the Apostle