In the 1662 Book of Common Prayer the rubric after the Offertory sentence directs the alms to be collected in a "decent bason." This basin was the gift of the architect of Trinity Cathedral, Charles H. Schweinfurth, who also designed it. The center enamel depicts the Magi offering their gifts to the Christ child. Radiating from this are silver plaques showing scenes from the life of Christ as found in the Gospels. Intersecting the plate are the four arms of the cross terminating in silver medallions of the evangelists, suggesting the outreach of the Gospels made possible by generous giving.