From the Archives – Altar of Sacrifice

Originally placed beneath the tabernacle on the east wall of our church, the Altar of Sacrifice — the Basili- ca’s main altar — is 37 inches deep, 40 inches high and 98 inches long. Although documentation concerning the relics contained in the altar is no longer available, the following information has been firmly established:

• June 30, 1856: Consecration of the marble altar by the Most Rever- end Francis Patrick Kendrick, D.D., Sixth Archbishop of Baltimore.
• June 1895: Centenary of the founding of the parish, when the church was rededicated by the Most Reverend Augustine Van der Vyver, Sixth Bishop of Richmond.
• May 5, 1948: Re-consecration (mandatum Episcopi) by Father Ed- ward L. Stephens, V.F., Saint Mary’s pastor (1943-1959).

Made by Coleman of Philadelphia, the Altar of Sacrifice is constructed of highly polished Italian marble, divided into three panels. The mensa, or “table,” is supported by four Ionic columns, extremely detailed in their carving. The recumbent “Lamb of God,” in the arched center panel, em- braces a cross. The lamb is rendered in finely detailed bas-relief sculpture. Both the main altar and the taber- nacle were commissioned during the pastorate of Father Peter Kroes, S.J. (1857-1872).

– From Basilica of Saint Mary archival resources