Christ Church Cathedral is located in the centre of the city. When the Canterbury Association's settlement of Christchurch began in 1848, the aim was to establish a Church of England settlement with the Cathedral as its heart. Construction began in 1864 and after many challenges and it was consecrated 1881. Over the years, various additions were made including the west porch, vestries and a visitors centre. It has become a symbol of the city's history and identity.
The cathedral was designed by English architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott with assistance from local architect Benjamin Mountfort, in the Victorian mid-Gothic style. A slate tile clad roof is supported on timber framing which is in turn supported by stone walls. Features of the cathedral include many wooden and plaster carvings, screens, alters, panelling including tuku tuku, beautiful glass windows including the well known Rose Window, statues of St Michael and St George, Venetian mosaics depicting the works of mercy and beautiful furnishings.
The cathedral tower housed 13 bells, the heaviest of which weighed 1.77 tonnes. A team of bellringers ensured the bells rang for many special religious occasions and also special events like the arrival of the godwits in spring.
In the 2011 earthquake, the cathedral suffered severe damage. It was not the first time it had been hit by earthquakes. In 1881, 1888 and 1901 earthquakes caused damage to the stone spire. Later surviving the 2010 earthquakes with minimal damage, after the February 2011 earthquake it was no longer able to be used and was partially demolished. The people of Christchurch faced a difficult decision: whether to restore the beloved structure or opt for a new design. This led to debates and emotional discussions within the community, highlighting the cathedral's deep cultural and emotional value. In 2022, it was decided that it would be restored, with completion expected in 2027.
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/christchurch-cathedral/
https://christchurchcathedral.org.nz/
Image by Greg Newman from Pixabay