Does an altar have to be rectangular?

[MarkThompson]

Hi guys,

I’m an artist who is currently creating the interior furnishings of a cathedral. I’m working on the altar, and I am considering making it triangular in shape instead of the traditional rectangle. Is there anything in the CCC or any other regulation for church art and architecture that would prohibit this? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.

Yes, there is a key regulation: build what the person paying you wants. Without knowing more, I would be very surprised if the bishop and cathedral rector had any interest in having a triangular altar.

Furthermore, I’m afraid the overall symbolic effect will be poor. Sure, you would have three crosses as legs (wasn’t one of those the bad thief though?), but more importantly, and far more noticeably, the congregation will have a sharp triangular point jutting out at them. Far from offering an invitation to join the Table of the Lord’s Supper, it would present an outwardly hostile visual aspect – “no room for you here.”

A better idea would be a rectangular altar with six legs; the three crosses facing the congregation and three plain legs and the back side.

 

[andrewstx]

I have only seen one triangular altar in my life and that was only a computer file I came across.

It was in Dallas “cathedral of hope” a church for homosexuals and of course it was made of pink marble.

 

[quiet52]

Symbolism is great, but really function is more important.

As someone who has served at the altar, a triangular altar seems impractical and uncomfortable; it would create some significant logistical problems.

It would be terribly awkward for the altar server to place the water and wine decantars on the side of the altar, and for the deacon who assists to pour the wine into the chalices prior to consecration (he stands on the side of the altar in my parish to do this).

Some parish altars absolutely need the four corners – the two front corners for the candles.

I think that triangular table would drive the church decorating committee nuts! Their current stock of altar cloths would probably not “work”.

And in my opnion, it would more distracting than aesthetically pleasing.

Just my thoughts – but most important are the thoughts of the bishop.