Majestic Altar of St. John’s Cathedral, 1915-1920

The photograph showcases the altar of the Cathedral of St. John, an iconic location in New York City. Captured between 1915 and 1920 by the Bain News Service, this image offers a glimpse into the architectural grandeur of one of America’s largest cathedrals. Completed in 1941, the cathedral is a prime example of Gothic Revival architecture, featuring intricate stonework and stunning stained glass windows, which were often common in cathedrals built during this period.

This altar, central to the cathedrals design, symbolizes the spiritual heart of the building, where various religious ceremonies and services take place. The photograph not only highlights the craftsmanship involved in the cathedral’s construction but also serves as a visual document of early 20th-century religious life. As you contemplate this historic image, you connect with a time when such majestic structures were essential to the cultural and spiritual landscape of American society.