The Interior

Stately Surroundings

The doors in the narthex carry out the Egyptian theme with tapering moldings, smaller at the top, wider at the bottom. The narthex contains the bell, which was not damaged when the steeple fell, and a photograph of the original steeple. The sanctuary, in the Greek Revival style, is spacious and stately, seating about 800. The pulpit is framed by a pair of round, fluted Corinthian columns and two square pilasters that rise well over 50 feet to a coffered ceiling. The trompe l'oeil decoration at the back of the pulpit gives one the impression of a curved wall.

The box pews have hand carved railings of fine Cuban mahogany which was brought back by whaling ships. Many pews have engraved silver nameplates on the doors.

Two large galleries on either side of the church are supported by fluted columns. The ceiling is a fine example of Minard Lafever’s genius. It is suspended from a central beam without supporting columns. Each coffered square is surrounded by handmade “egg and dart” molding.