The Pilgrims’ Frieze

Above the bronze doors at the central Portal of Paradise and above and behind the trumeau of St. John is the Pilgrims’ Frieze. The design is by Canon Edward Nason West in 1964. The Laymen’s Club was financially instrumental in the commissioning of the frieze.

It is speculated that the firm of Rochette & Parzini executed the plaster cast and the carving. They had completed the Gable Cross, the Diocesan Coat of Arms and the Christ in Majesty. All of these just preceded the Pilgrims’ Frieze and all were embellishments to the center of the west front. Likewise, Rochette & Parzini’s main carver, Mario Tommasi, is thought to have done the carving.

The liturgical inspiration for Canon West’s design is found in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 7.

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands…

– Book of Revelation

All the 33 figures in the frieze are carrying a large branch of palm. All ages and ethnicities are present in a procession of pilgrimage. They represent the varied ethnic composition of the people who attend services at the Cathedral.

Canon West

Truly a Renaissance man, he studied architecture at Boston University before turning to theology. Ordained a deacon in 1934 and a priest in 1935, West came to the Cathedral in 1941 and became Canon Sacrist in 1943 and named Sub Dean of the Cathedral in 1966. He retired in 1981 as Canon Sacrist and Sub Dean but continued as Master of Ceremonies; he served as Master of Ceremonies for more than 40 years.

Not only was he a theologian, he was also an author, an internationally known iconographer, an expert in the design of church furnishings and an authority on liturgical art. A leading authority on liturgical celebrations, as Canon Sacrist, he was in charge of preparations for all services at St. John the Divine.

Among his many contributions, he designed the Compass Rose of the Anglican Communion, the Diocesan seal as well as the Pilgrims’ Frieze.

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• Our thanks to the Cathedral Archives and Wayne Kempton for the contributions to this story
• The New York Times, Edward West, Retired Canon and Author, 80, Jan 5, 1990, section B, page 4
• Strangers and Pilgrims, A centennial History of the Laymen’s Club of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, Francis B. Sypher 2012, pages 73-74