=Architecture.= The Choir (10) may best be surveyed from the eastern end of the Crossing. (Visitors not admitted to Choir during service time except by permission.) The half-round arches and other features exhibit a late Romanesque style with Byzantine influence, which is not inappropriate to the eastern end of the Cathedral, and which will relatively become a local detail as the prevailing Gothic style of the whole Cathedral develops.[20] The interior facing is of Frontenac stone. Numerous symbols from the Revelation of St. John the Divine will appear as the description of the Choir and its environs proceeds. The first to attract attention is the broad course of red jasper from South Dakota seen at the base of the piers of the great Choir arch. This foundation course, which appears in the Ambulatory (12-12-12) running entirely around the Choir, recalls St. John’s description of the Heavenly City: “And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was of jasper” (Rev. xxi. 19). The green moulding above the jasper is Pennsylvania serpentine. The floor of the Choir has three principal levels. From the Crossing 5 steps lead to the Choir proper, which contains the stalls for the clergy and choristers and which occupies the first two bays. An ascent of six more steps leads to the second level which may be designated as the Presbytery. Upon it are the two thrones hereafter mentioned and the altar rail, the latter a step higher.[21] In the Sanctuary within the altar rail, 4 steps lead to the third level upon which stands the Altar with its 3 white steps.[22] Around the Sanctuary stand eight Great Columns described hereafter. The principal donor to the building of the Choir was the late Hon. Levi Parsons Morton (Vice-President of the United States 1889-93, Governor of the State of New York 1895-96) who, after the Great Columns were erected, gave $600,000 toward the completion of the fabric and the installation of the Altar, Reredos, Organ, Choir Stalls, Bishop’s Throne, and some other furnishings. This sum was generously supplemented by Mrs. Morton. The ornate _Altar Rail_ of English oak is inscribed: “To the Glory of God ‖ and in loving memory of ‖ Anna Livingston Morton ‖ May 18, 1846-August 14, 1918 ‖ Given by her daughter ‖ Edith Morton Eustis 1920.”