Remodeling of the presbytery, construction of a new new marble altar and installation of a twelve meter high altarpiece behind the main altar of the Co-cathedral of St. Thomas More (Tallahassee).
In the new presbyteryThe elements are carefully arranged to guide the viewer's attention to the altar and tabernacle. In the focal point The altar is built in a delicate cream and crimson marble, in which the dark tones dominate so as not to distract attention from the Mystery being celebrated on it. The colors of the stone also manifest a Christological symbolism, since they refer to the Body and Blood of Christ. The central tondo is occupied by a bronze relief of the Mystic Lamb.
Behind the altar, the twelve-meter altarpieceThe main body contains three large paintings. The panels depict the mysteries of the Incarnation and the Communion of Saints, with the Child Jesus and the Holy Family in the center, flanked on the left by St. Thomas More, St. Michael and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, co-patrons of the diocese, and St. Augustine, a reference to the see to which this diocese originally belonged.
The right panel opens a window into the history of early converts in the region, depicted as an Appalachian family and a Franciscan friar from nearby Mission San Luis.
Above the Incarnation and dominating the presbytery and the nave we find a sculptural group of the Crucifixion, composed of Christ on the cross flanked by Our Lady and St. John, with St. Mary Magdalene prostrate at the foot of the cross. The Trinity is present in the Calvary, with the Eternal Father and the Holy Spirit represented in the pediment that crowns the altarpiece.
It is constructed of stained cedar wood with details and bas-reliefs gilded with burnished 24-karat gold leaf. The design features details that link it specifically to the territory of Tallahassee through the use of local flora. On the capitals, magnolia flowers and branches of Virginian oak replace the usual Corinthian acanthus; azalea flowers grow at the foot of St. Mary's throne, and the background landscape is reminiscent of Appalachian pine and oak forests dotted with moss.
The tabernacle, gilded and in the form of a temple, follows the same classical architectural language as the altarpiece, with Corinthian columns and a dome surrounded by sculptures of the four Evangelists. On the pediment is represented the Eucharistic symbol of the Pelican and on the door a relief of the Resurrection. Hidden from view, following the tradition of our founder, don Felix GrandaIts interior is richly decorated for the constant catechesis of the priest.
The sky of the interior space is formed by a dome enameled in blue with golden stars, with the Holy Spirit in the keystone. In front of the door, framed by garlands, is an oval enamel depicting the Last Supper, flanked by seraphim, a reference to those placed in the Holy of Holies and the Throne of Mercy, the presence of God among men.
