When the Square Chapel was built for Titus Knight in 1773, there was much criticism of was thought to be the excessive expense of constructing the building.
Knight wrote a poem entitled Hhadash Hamishcan - which is Hebrew for New Tabernacle - in response to the critics. This was published anonymously.
The following is a fragment of the poem
What is this Building so magnificent, With Spacious Area and this grand Ascent: With Pillars on each Hand? One might suppose The one was Jachin, and the other Boaz. The Door-Steads built with architectural Grace, Pilasters rising from the solid base. Within, what Flow'ry work, of purest Paste, and all things finish'd in a superb Taste! 'Tis sure a Pantheon of the present Age, Or pompous theatre, to set off the Stage. Forebear your Taunts, this Structure is design'd An Habitation for th'eternal Mind But why such Beauty and Magnificence? You might have built, and sav'd a vast Expense? A House sufficient; but you here expend Large Sums, in Ornaments, and to no end But if a House is to be built for God, Each Penny's precious, as a drop of Blood But since you deem this House too large and fine, I'll lead your envious Thoughts to Palestine. View foolish Solomon, at vast Expense, Erect a House, which for Magnificence, For Elegance, and Ornament, as far Excell'd this House, as doth the Sun, a Star. Repent not of the Sums that you have giv'n, Done for his Sake, 'tis Treasure lodg'd in Heav'n
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Malcolm Bull 2017 /
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Revised 14:00 on 8th May 2017 / mmk27 / 5