The ritual of “topping out” to celebrate the completion of a structure has ancient origins with roots reaching back for centuries, to Viking chieftains and Teutonic tribes of Europe, attempting to appease the spirits. In some cases a sheaf of corn was attached to a tree and placed atop a structure, both to serve as food for the horse of the Norse god Odin and as a charm against lightning.

Ancient practices have been replaced today by the hoisting of an evergreen tree to the top of a newly completed structure, a tradition that can be traced back to the Scandinavians who venerated evergreens. Even today in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia a sapling decorated with flowers and foodstuffs often is put aloft to seek the benevolent care of the spirits.

The practice of topping-out was brought to America by immigrants who became the country’s contractors and steel workers. Today, in most cases, a tree or a beam is hoisted up by the crane, often with a flag or banner attached. While there inevitably remains a great deal of work to be done to complete the structure, topping-out represents the successful attainment of the highest point.
 

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The downtown Houston skyline has a new look today after construction crews lifted an 80,000-pound dome to the top of the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart near I-45 South.  The move marks a milestone in the construction of the new cathedral in that it signifies the completion of the highest point of the structure. The cathedral is scheduled for completion in September 2007.

The cathedral construction began during the tenure of now retired Archbishop Emeritus Joseph Fiorenza.  He was on hand today to bless the dome on the ground and stated, “I am delighted that construction on  this important project is right on schedule and that the community is getting a better idea every day of just how beautiful this cathedral will be.”  Chuck Greco, President and CEO of Linbeck Construction, the project contractor, said “The lifting of the dome is a key milestone in the construction of the cathedral. We are on target as we collaborate with many key players to ensure a cost-effective and timely completion of this project. As the cathedral takes shape you can see the vision of the archdiocese coming to life.”

Following the blessing and remarks, a special crane placed the giant dome on top of the cathedral. The new structure will serve the 1.3 million Catholics in the 10-county area that comprises the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.  Archbishop Daniel DiNardo, the new chief shepherd of the archdiocese, was unable to attend but stated earlier that “As we celebrate today’s milestone, we now look forward to having a much needed central place of worship for major religious services as well as other ecumenical, interfaith and civic events that will serve the entire community.”

The cruciform co-cathedral will be of a classic design, with the primary ceiling reaching more than 70 feet in height. The building also will feature a 115-foot domed roof topped by a 16-foot cross.

The 1,820 seat structure is at 1115 St. Joseph Parkway and is bound by San Jacinto, Fannin and Jefferson streets. City officials expect the new $40 million cathedral to be an integral part of the Main Street Project and the continued development of downtown Houston. 

Linbeck began construction of the cathedral in May 2005 after working with the archdiocese for about five years to plan the massive project. Groundbreaking for the new cathedral was held Jan. 30, 2005 and the first foundation was poured in May 2005.
 

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