Baptismal Font
and
Bishop White
Throne
he stone BAPTISMAL FONT was installed in the 1870s. It has been relocated several times since, but now stands in approximately its original location. The font is in the shape of an octagon – eight being the number of “regeneration” (the first number following the six days of creation and one day of rest – hence: the new beginning). Many other objects in the cathedral are octagonal in shape: the pulpit, the bishop’s throne spire, the fletch atop the triptych, and even the steeple spire itself. The CRUCIFIX over the retable on the wall behind the font was a gift from the Diocese of Masasi in Tanzania, Northeast Africa, which was designated our companion diocese several decades ago. The large brass candlestick near the font is a scaled-down single survivor of a pair of Pavement Lights given as a memorial to Bishop Isaac Lea Nicholson in 1909. Originally over six-feet in height, it once stood on the lowest step to the high altar, and originally matched the massive paschal candlestick till used during Eastertide.
The BISHOP (William) WHITE THRONE is the oldest item of ecclesiastical furniture in the cathedral. This modest walnut chair was used the the Right Reverend William White, who was consecrated a bishop before George Washington was inaugurated as president. Bishop White was Chaplain of the Continental Congress and first Bishop of Pennsylvania. He was influential in establishing the Episcopal Church in America and became its first Presiding Bishop in 1789.

Bishop William White may have used the throne during the ordination of David Jackson Kemper to the diaconate in 1811. At that time, it was located in St. Peter’s Church, Philadelphia. The throne was presented to Jackson Kemper when he was consecrated First Missionary Bishop of the Northwest in 1835, Bishop White being one of his co-consecrators.