The above christian portrait of saint james for the purpose of conveying the powerful presence of the apostle and remind people of their beginnings of christianity.

Depends on the painting!  Though a famous painting of Saint james is by Guido Reni.

perimeter = 2l +2w, divide total perimeter by 2 for total length of 1 side and 1 width

172/2 = 86 (  total for 1 side and 1 width)

86-24 = 62 (since length is 24 ft longer subtract 24 then divide by 2 for width)

62/2 = 31

width = 31 feet

length = 31 +24 = 55 feet

check: 31*2 = 62, 55*2 = 110,  110+62 = 172