Lighting the Way
In 1894, the building was dedicated, the first building west of the Cuyahoga to use electricity (we had our own power plant.) True to Victorian fashion, gas piping and gas lights were also installed as backup. You can see examples of this feature in the front entrance chandelier, the balcony stair newel light, the wall sconces, and Little Theater chandelier.

As if to celebrate the exciting arrival of electricity, bare light bulbs once lined each arch and filled the golden rosettes where the arches meet (below).

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The stained glass dome, designed by Elizabeth Parsons, was originally sunlit, but later was converted to artificial lighting. (Photo is of dome shown on the right.) Four semi-circular arches support the 24' diameter dome.

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Flanking the organ, are two Tiffany stained glass windows, both featuring images of St. Cecelia (photos above). In the recent renovation of this beautiful sanctuary, the dome was repaired, relit, and the wood trim regilded. The wall sconces (pictured below) were reproduced and replaced, and three more were added to the balcony area. In addition, all general and accent lighting has been rewired and improved. 

Continued