The materials for construction were selected with the greatest care ,buff Bedford Indiana limestone being used for the exterior. Its texture and grain are well adapted to this type of architecture. The velvety surface of the rubbed stone enables the designer to secure rich and cleancut shadows , which , contrasting with the plain and simple surfaces , give an appearance of strength and grace. The interior stone, other than the decorative stone used in certain parts, is Kasota. Its strata show rich though unobtrusive markings of pink and buff. This stone is used in all portions of the lower story for the columns, trimmings and other constructional parts. The walls are laid up in pinkish yellow hard – burned brick . The window tracery and vaulting ribs are made from manufactured stone and the vault filling is composed of hard – burned tiles, which introduce a modern variation from the traditional tile filling of the Continental church – a system invented by a Spanish – American contractor named Gustavino. The construction is light , strong and self – supporting, requiring no braces , ties or other forms of enforcement. The ribs support the tile filling , thus following medieval precedent . The entire vault , as well as the rest of the structure of the church, is calculated to be fire – and decay proof. The windows are double – glazed to secure not only a quiet light but a greater degree of warmth. The leaded glass is cemented directly into the stone mullions to prevent leakage and decay.
With the exception of the space occupied by the pews and choir stalls , the floor of the Nave is paved with Ruabon tile, imported from Wales , while the Choir and Sanctuary are both paved with especially designed tiles made by the Grueby Company in Perth Amboy , N . J . This pavement is of cherry red hard – burned unglazed tiles relieved with blue – green glazed tiles made especially for the building as are those of emblematic design. The plan of the church, while simple, affords an unusual opportunity for the development of a very complete scheme of decorative woodwork . The arched openings of the Chancel have been filled with mullioned and paneled screens of considerable elaboration . These continue in the Sanctuary, where they culminate in the richly – canopied reredos. On one side is the Bishop ‘ s chair , and on the other triple sedilia for the clergy. The choir stalls richly carved, will seat 90. The seating capacity of Nave, Chapel and balcony is about one thousand.
The building’s architect, Edwin Hawley Hewitt as quoted in;
-St. Mark’s :A Parish Church and a Cathedral
North Central Publishing, 1953
