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Reprinted, updated ‘Pinnacled Glory’ book about the cathedral available
By Julie Filby
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Order “The Pinnacled Glory of the West" Cost: $24.95
The book jacket to the 2011 edition of “The Pinnacled Glory of the West.” |
Tomorrow, the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception marks the 99th anniversary of its dedication. Next year, Catholics in the Denver Archdiocese will celebrate the centennial anniversary of their mother church, located at 1530 Logan St. in downtown Denver.
In anticipation of the Oct. 27, 2012, anniversary, the Office of Liturgy and Archives updated and re-published a book of the cathedral’s history, “The Pinnacled Glory of the West.”
Six hundred copies of the book were printed. Since pre-orders began last October, some 450 books have been sold, leaving just 150 copies of the limited edition volume.
“Once they’re sold out, that’s it,” said Karyl Klein, archdiocesan archivist, who coordinated the project.
The original work of 181 pages, published in 1912, was expanded with nine additional pages of narrative, timelines and photos to bring readers to present-day.
“It really shows off the beauty of the church in 1912 and today,” said Klein. “We’re so pleased with how the book turned out.”
Donning Company of Virginia Beach, Va., served as publisher. The company, which specializes in historical books, aimed to maintain the integrity of the classic book.
“They did a great job capturing the look and the feel of the original book,” said Klein, “even down to using an ‘aged’ paper stock so that the additional pages blend in really well.”
Topics covered include details of the cathedral’s gothic architecture; art such as altars, statues, stained glass windows and Stations of the Cross; chimes; and a reporting of the cathedral’s dedication day, when Cardinal John Farley of New York; 15 bishops, including then-Denver Bishop Nicholas C. Matz, and tens of thousands of people celebrated its completion.
“Many an eye was filled with tears of gladness when, high over head, the sweet-toned bells flung their songs of praise upon the breeze of that bright October morning,” wrote then-rector Father Hugh L. McMenamin.
Father McMenamin, who edited and published the original book, started the 10-year project when ground was broken on the cathedral in 1902.
“He provides a first-hand narrative you couldn’t get any other way,” Klein explained.
The book also contains a section devoted to the building committee and other generous citizens of the city who were contributors to the project, among them John K. Mullen, George Cottrell and William Horan.
“It’s a very detailed history,” said Klein.
Since 2007, the cathedral has been undergoing extensive renovation and remodeling in anticipation of the centennial celebration. The anniversary Mass will the held Oct. 27, 2012.
Msgr. Thomas S. Fryar, who has served as rector since 2006, wrote the information contained in the book’s jacket.
“It (the cathedral) has witnessed the funerals of bishops, and hosted the presence of the popes, cardinals, and bishops from around the world,” he wrote. “And in all of this it has found its most enduring and endearing purpose served in providing a setting for thousands of baptisms, marriages, funerals, welcomings of those entering the Catholic faith. … God alone knows the grace that flows from this Pinnacled Glory of the West.”
The book can serve as a memento to parishioners, and persons or families who have received sacraments at the cathedral.
“It would make a nice wedding or anniversary gift for a couple who got married at the cathedral,” Klein said. “Or for someone who was baptized or received first Communion there.
“With the holidays coming up, it would make an awesome Christmas gift too.”
To order a copy of “The Pinnacled Glory of the West,” contact Klein at 303-520-9986 or karyl.klein@archden.org. Cost of the book is $24.95. All proceeds will go to the cathedral restoration fund.
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