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ABOUT CATHEDRALS
. Strictly speaking, the word "cathedral"
is an 'adjective. It means "possessing
the cathedral, or throne,, of a
bishop. If we were scrupulously accurate
in the use of language, we should
never speak of a cathedral simply, but
always of a "cathedral church"
All cathedrals are built "cruciform:
the head of the cross faces east— the'
chancel"; the long nave points west;
and the arms of . the cross are the
transepts, north and south. Apses,
chapels and chapter houses are merely
refinements upon this,general plan;
and if the church once belonged to a
monastery there jmy be cloisters and
pttier monastic buildings attached: A
tower or spire was often raised above
the transepts, and, since it was desirable
to. make the main approach,
or west front, ^especially- imposing, additional
towers'or spires often appear
at the west front. .
Cathedral business is transacted by
the Chapter, presided over by the Dean.
This executive body of clergy was gradually
curtailing the bishop's powers
throughout the Middle - Ages until
nowadays it fe /only at the invitation
of the Dean and ; Chapter that the
bishop may preach-in his own cathedral!
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