Saturday, March 8, 2014

CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL.



CHRISTCHURCH CATHEDRAL.
OPENING ON ALL SAINTS DAY. SERVICES NEXT WEEK. THE BUILDING AND ITS HISTORY. 


"We shall plant the church of our forefathers in our new home in the distant land," the founders of Canterbury said as they discussed arrangements for laying the foundations of the prosperous province that has grown up in this part of New Zealand and right in the centre of the city they had laid out, they left a site for the Cathedral which has been completed recently, and which will be opened on Tuesday.

The edifice which sits enthroned in our midst, has had its ups and downs like Christchurch itself. Though it now looks upon a busy city, with unlimited prospects, there have been times when it experienced the unpleasantness of hard times, and was the victim of adverse criticism. It shared the city's adversities in the old days when the struggle was sometimes severe, and it bore the brunt of rather ill-natured remarks. Its unsightly foundations were described by Anthony Trollope in 1873, as a sad sight, when he wrote of the huge record of the Canterbury Association's failure which the town of Christchurch contained. Hardly less blunt was Lord Lyttelton when he visited Christchurch, and soundly rated the colonists for presuming to undertake the erection of a cathedral. In the days of its prosperity, Canterbury has not forgotten the Cathedral that accompanied it through its hard times. The original estimate of the cost of completing the building was £21,000. As the building now stands in Cathedral Square, its cost is represented by about £72,000, which sum has been subscribed in addition to donations for windows and other memorials.

After it had been definitely decided that a cathedral should be erected without delay, and after Sir Gilbert Scott, the eminent architect, had sent out alternative plans, the colonists were divided amongst themselves as to the best site. One section insisted upon the erection of the Cathedral in Cranmer Square, and others were equally insistent that the only proper and suitable site was that occupied by St Michael's Church. These important items were hotly discussed for several months, but the commission appointed by the Synod to deal with the matter decided that the claimants for neither Cranmer Square nor St Michael's had shown, good grounds for a deviation from the original plan, which was adhered to.

It was on the fourteenth anniversary of the landing of the first colonists that the foundation stone was laid by Bishop Harper in a heavy downpour of rain. The population of Christchurch was then not more than 5000 people.

Not long after this ceremony had taken place Canterbury fell into its most evil days of depression and dejection. There may, after all have been some justification for Anthony Trollope's unkind remarks. Grass grew over the foundations, and weeds sprang up and hid the ugly evidences of an unfinished purpose from view. It is stated that when Sir George Grey visited Christchurch, in 1867, it was necessary to mow the grass and whitewash the top of the foundations in order that he might see the outline. Many of those who had taken up the project with enthusiasm lost heart entirely, and were willing to relinquish all efforts. Messrs Fearing, Faintheart and Ready-to-Halt took a hand in the project, as they do in nearly all other undertakings of a similar nature, and it was even proposed that hope of building a cathedral should be abandoned for all time by selling the site. It is difficult to say how much the ground would have brought in the open market then; and it is just as difficult to say how much it would have been worth now had it not been occupied by the Cathedral.

Wiser and more courageous counsels prevailed, however. In the very year that Trollope published his criticism, Bishop Harper managed to start a revival. He appealed to the clergy and laity. The Synod passed a motion affirming the desirableness of proceeding with the work, and it invited members of the Church to contribute.

With stout hearts and good courage, the friends of the Cathedral started work in an earnest manner. Subscriptions came in rapidly, and a grant of £5000 was made from the Church Property Trust. Contracts were let for the construction of the walls. Further grants were made and further contracts were let. Trollope's remark, stung a number of colonists into activity, and as a result of the publication of his work on "Australia and New Zealand," there was formed a Cathedral Guild, which raised large sums.

December 16, 1875, saw the first service within the Cathedral. It could hardly be called a cathedral then, as the walls were unfinished, and the only roof was the sky overhead. On that occasion Bishop Harper was presented with a pastoral staff and a crozier. Three years later, another service was held in the Cathedral, to celebrate the Bishop's return from the Lambeth Conference, and the walls were still roofless.

Better times had now set in for the Cathedral, and its affairs improved fairly rapidly, hardly a year passing without large sums of money being received. Funds were raised for the organ and the pulpit, and donations were given for other purposes. The most munificent gift was that of Mr R. H. Rhodes, who, as a tribute to his brother, the late Mr George Rhodes, contributed the cost of erecting the tower.

The nave was consecrated on All Saints' Day, 1881, seventeen years after the laying of the foundation stone, the Bishops of Nelson, Wellington, Dunedin and Waiapu preaching at the services held in the octave.

The Cathedral passed through no more very bad times, although it stood for years in an incomplete condition. On several occasions it suffered severely owing to earthquakes, the spire, which reaches a height of 210 ft, being injured. The transepts and chancel were in the same state as they had been left in 1880. In this year, however, the movement that was started in 1900 was successful, and brought about the completion of a cathedral that has been building for forty years.

Star, Issue 8153, 29 October 1904, Page 4

Friday, March 7, 2014

Year by Year




YEAR BY YEAR.

1850 - December: The First Four Ships arrive at Lyttelton.

1851 - The Rev. Thomas Jackson, M.A., D.D., the Bishop-designate, arrives but declines the bishopric before his consecration. The Rev. Henry Jacobs conducts the first church service in Christchurch.

1853 - The Rev. J. P. Gell of Tasmania is selected as the first Bishop, but the collapse of the Can­terbury Association prevents the completion of his appointment.

1855 - A meeting of churchmen selects the Rev. Henry Harper as Bishop.

1856 - Bishop Harper is enthroned.

1858 - A meeting of churchmen decides on the immediate erection of the Cathedral. A sum of £1000 is set aside as a nucleus of a building fund.

1859 - The Cathedral Commission is appointed.

1861 - Mr G. G. Scott is commissioned to draw plans

1862 - A meeting of churchmen decides on immediate work being begun. The Cathedral Commission issues its first appeal for funds.

1864 - Mr Robert Speechley, the superintending architect, arrives. The foundation stone is laid, 16th December.

1865 - The foundations are completed. Synod re­fuses to sell the site.

1866 -  The Commission suspends building operations. The Capitular Body is created.

1871 - Synod re-affirms its refusal to sell the site.

1872 - Synod rejects the Provincial Council's offer for the Cathedral site.

1873 - Synod again refuses the Provincial Council's offer and decides to raise £5000 for the work. B. W. Mountfort is appointed superintending architect.

1874 - Synod recommends a further grant of £5000. The first service is held within the walls on 16th December.

1876 - The walls of the nave are as high as the clerestory, the western wall to the base of the rose window.

1878 - The architect is instructed to proceed with the clerestory and the rose window.
 
1879 - The Barker column is offered. Synod authorises a loan of £8000.

1880 - Bishop Harper signs the contract for the completion of the nave. Eight hundred chairs are ordered. The Society of Bell-ringers is formed.

1881 - A Cathedral Chapter is formed. The Rev. W. H. Elton is appointed precentor. The Cathedral School is opened. The Cathedral School is opened. On Sep­tember 7th, the Cathedral Commission ceases to function and formally hands over to the Chapter. The spire is damaged by earth­quake. The Cathedral is consecrated, 1st November. November 26th the first baptism takes place - the infant daughter of Dr. James Irving. The first ordination service is on December 18th. On November 13th, Dean Jacobs begins a series of lectures on "The Prayer Book," delivered weekly until March 18th, 1883.

1882 - The first stained glass window, the Hawdon Memorial, is placed in position. The organ is dedicated on the 25th of April. The first Confirmation  Service is held on December 10th.

1883 - The Christchurch Musical Society and the Orchestral Society give a performance of "The Messiah" in the Cathedral. On June 3rd, Dean Jacobs commences a catechising service in the afternoon, a service maintained until 27th April, 1890.

1885 - Mr Wells, the organist, is succeeded by Mr Tendall.

1886 - The Rev. W. Dunkley is appointed assistant precentor.

1887 - Bishop Harper announces his retirement. A special service of thanksgiving is held for the Queen's Jubilee. Dean Jacobs and Mr Tendall compose a hymn for the occasion, "For Fifty Years of Ampler Peace," dedicated to Queen Victoria, who graciously acknowledged the copy she received. On 22nd September, Bishop Harper solemnises the first marriage in the Cathedral, Mr G. H. Rhodes to Miss A. H. Thieiens.

1888 - Daily Choral Matins are discontinued. The spire is damaged by an earthquake. The Cathedral is closed, Sunday, 1st September, on this account. The Choir gives a perform­ance of Stainer's cantata, "The Daughter of Jairus." The Rev. W. H. Elton resigns the office of precentor.

1907 - A Mosaic on behalf of the Hon. Spencer Lyttelton is placed over the western door. The arcading of the south wall receives its first inscription in memory of Dean Jacobs. Minor Canon Dunkley is succeeded by Minor Canon Haggitt.

1909 - Minor Canon Haggitt is succeeded by Minor Canon Jones.

1913 - Dean Harper resigns and Canon Carrington is installed as Dean on April 16th. Minor Canon Jones resigns. The first service in the south chapel is held on November 3rd.

1914 - The stone kerbing round the grounds is given by Mr (now Sir) Henry Wigram. On August 9th is commenced a daily Intercession Service, continued throughout the War period. On September 7th a daily celebration of Holy Communion is commenced.

1915 - On May 1st, Bishop Julius receives from the clergy a light pastoral staff to mark the com­pletion of his twenty-fifth year as the Bishop of Christchurch.

1918 - At the 11 o'clock service on 21st July, the congregation numbered fifteen and the choir twenty. A heavy snowstorm was raging. The evening service was attended by nine­teen. On Sunday, November 17th, 24th and December 1st, the services were held at 11 a.m. only, outside the north porch, as all indoor services were prohibited on account of the influenza epidemic.

1919 - On September 7th, the White Ensign flown by "H.M.S.New Zealand" at the surrender of the German fleet is presented by Admiral Jellicoe.

1920 - The Rev. Hubert Jones is again appointed precentor. On May 16th, H.R.H. the Prince of Wales attends Divine Service. On Decem­ber 2nd, the daily celebration of Holy Com­munion ceases. On December 7th, the colours of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Canterbury Regiment are deposited in the Cathedral.

1922 - The Cathedral is lighted by electricity. (The old gas lamps had taken one hour on each occasion to light.) Bishop Julius is appointed Primate and the first Archbishop of New Zealand.

1923 - On May 13th, the jubilee service of Canter­bury College is held. On May 22nd the first New Zealand Church Congress meets at the Cathedral. The Cathedral School is re­opened. On November 27th, Mr James Hickson conducts a Spiritual Healing Mission.

1924 - The chancel screen is dedicated. Synod grants £9000 for the rebuilding of the organ. Archbishop Julius announces his resignation to Synod.

1925 - On April 25th, the War Memorial is dedicated.

1926 - The Right Reverend Campbell West-Watson is enthroned, March 25th. The Rev. F. R. Rawle succeeds Minor Canon Jones.

1927 - On March 13th, H.R.H. the Duke of York attends Divine Service.  The evening service of that date is the first Cathedral service to be broadcasted. Dr. Winnington Ingram, the Bishop of London, is the preacher. On August 1st, daily Matins resumed. On 16th December, the Ven. J. A. Julius is installed as Dean in succession to Dean Carrington, who had resigned. The choir and sanctuary floors are tiled with mosaic pattern. The new organ is dedicated, and Dr. Bradshaw completes twenty-five years as Cathedral organist.

1928 - On May 27th, a Civic Service at 3 p.m. commemorates the Diamond Jubilee of Christ­church as a City. The sermon is preached by the Mayor, the Rev. J. K. Archer, a Baptist clergyman.

1929 - On May 26th, the Right Reverend F. A. Bennett, the first Bishop of Aotearoa, and the first Maori to be consecrated, preaches the Sermon. On April 25th the Toc. H. lamp is dedicated by Dean Julius.

1930 - On October 19th, the United Sunday Schools of Christchurch hold a commemoration service at 3 p.m. to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Sunday Schools by Robert Raikes.

1931 - On March 8th, Lord Baden-Powell of Gilwell, the World Chief Scout, deposits a flag from the London Cenotaph on behalf of the Boy Scouts of New Zealand. On November 1st, the Cathedral celebrates the jubilee of its Consecration.





The Rev. C. Alabaster supported Mr. FitzGerald but preferred to have another clergyman. To have only one paid pastor was a disgrace to Christchurch. They had long needed more clerical help, and it seemed as if they were now in a position to set themselves right, both in the matter of the cathedral, and increasing the number of the clergy. A house to house visitation and collection would awaken zeal; their faith and good works would be evoked; the Church would be a living body at the time the cathedral was finished; but if it were possible to raise so noble a structure, and the living body remained inert, the cathedral would not be their glory, but their reproach.
Lyttelton Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1050, 3 December 1862, Page 4


The Cathedral.— Our advertising column contain an earnest and spirited appeal to members of the Church of England in this diocese from the Cathedral Commission. We have every reason to believe that not only will those more particularly addressed respond with a ready liberality, but that others in different parts of the colony who are animated by a like christian zeal will be found among the contributors to this good work.
Lyttelton Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1055, 20 December 1862, Page 4



Under the head of public buildings, there is not much to record beyond the fact of very large votes having been passed for the erection of various public buildings, which will probably be put in hand during the summer. The most important building in contemplation is the cathedral, for which designs have been furnished by Mr. G. Scott. It is proposed in the first instance to erect, the whole of the nave and aisles with the basement of the tower. The cost of this portion of the building has been estimated by the Provincial Engineer at £20,000, which it is proposed to raise by private subscription. The subscription list already amounts to £12,000, and we understand that the cathedral commission are taking steps for putting the work in hand at once. We trust that the commencement of this great work will inaugurate a new era in Canterbury. It is to be regretted that with such resources as we possess in our quarries and forests, our buildings should be of such a temporary and insignificant character. The erection of Mr. Scott's magnificent design in all its integrity, will give a tone to our architecture, which, it is to be hoped, will make our future public buildings worthy of the capital of the Middle Island.
Lyttelton Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1061, 10 January 1863, Page 3


THE CATHEDRAL.
What is the Cathedral Commission doing? When is the Cathedral to be begun? These are questions which we hear frequently asked just now, and not without some apparent reason for, judging from the almost entire absence of outward signs of progress, the Commission would seem to have gone to sleep. But we have taken pains to inquire, and find that this is not quite the case.

In the first place, the Commission has determined, wisely, we think, to entrust to Mr. Gilbert Scott the responsibility of carrying out his own plan but the necessary result is that the building cannot be begun till an answer has been received from him, nor till he has sent some properly qualified person to represent him, and take the whole direction of the work.

But cannot the necessary materials be obtained, that no time may be lost after his arrival? This should certainly be done with the least possible delay. But when we come to inquire, we find that in the course of a few months, when the railway is opened to the Heathcote Valley (not to mention the Little River Tramway), the price of stone delivered in Christchurch will be reduced to at least one-half of the present cost, some say even to one-third. This is conclusive against ordering the stone now.

Then, with regard to the timber. The central columns of the Nave, fourteen in number, are to be single trees, fifty feet in length, and something like three feet in diameter in the square throughout. Whatever may have been Mr. Scott's reason for adopting wooden rather than stone columns, it is certain, from the nature of the plan that stone could not be substituted without necessitating a complete alteration of the whole design, at any rate of the interior of the Nave. To send to England for new plans adapted to stone columns would involve great delay and expense, and the Commission has accordingly determined to adhere to the original design. But how best to obtain timbers of the required magnitude, and what kind of wood is best suited for the purpose, are questions of no slight difficulty and importance, not to be decided in a hurry. The Commission, we understand, has been occupied for some time in seeking advice and information on these two points. Kauri from Auckland, totara from the Little River, and Sydney cedar from Australia, have all been strongly recommended. It seems very doubtful whether the last mentioned wood an be obtained of the required size otherwise, it would excel most others in beauty. The comparative claims of the other two, both as to their natural qualities, and as to the difficulty and expense of carriage, have yet to be decided. We may take upon ourselves to say that the Commission would be thankful to receive any information or suggestions on these points from competent persons.

Meantime some five thousand pounds more have yet to be raised by subscription before the sum of Twenty Thousand estimated to be sufficient for the erection of the Nave will be made up. There are several names which we hope to see added to that goodly list. Absentees also, we trust, will not forget the duties they owe to the city and country from which they derive a portion of their wealth.

We confess that we share to some extent the impatience of the public to see the work begun at the same time, in so great an undertaking, we would have nothing done imprudently, or in a hurry.
Press, Volume III, Issue 119, 18 March 1863, Page 1

Christchurch Cathedral Fund.



Christchurch Cathedral Fund.
Subscriptions already advertised to September 5th, 1876:-

Paid £12,372 12 9
Promised £4,843 13 11
£17,216 6 8 
Subscriptions paid or promised subsequently 3561 0 7 
Vis.:—


£
s
d

Daniel Inwood
10
0
0
Mrs Simeon
50
0
0
J. E. Fitzgerald +
24
0
0
Cooke Reynell
50
0
0
A Friend (S. H.)
50
0
0
C. Dyke Troyte
10
0
0
W. B. Howell
5
0
0
Powis
1
1
0
Mrs Hawdon
45
0
0
S. S. Revans
2
2
0
C. T. Dyke Acland
3
10
0
Rev. William Reynell
5
0
0
Collection at St. Michael's on eve of Primate's departure for England
13
16
5
Thomas Douglas
9
0
0
Duke of Manchester
25
0
0


Per Primate, from England
Mr Hope and family
30
0
0
Six Contributors
10
0
0
C. Simeon
5
0
0
Hon. Rev. H. W. Bertie
5
5
0
Lady E. Bathurst
20
0
0


Collected by H. J. Cocks
5
0
0
B. Lancaster (per Primate)
100
0
0
W. D. Carruthers
20
0
0
J. G. Swayne
30
0
0
Proceeds of Collection in England
229
8
4
Cathedral Guild
380
0
0
Bequest late P. Hanmer[2]
100
0
0



Collected by F. Banks [1]
R. Christie and Co.
25
0
0
James Carter and Co.
3
3
0
Hubbuck and Son (an English paint company)
3
0
0
Cousin, Merry and Co.
10
10
0
Weston and Westall (English salt company)
3
3
0
John Corbett
2
2
0
J. Wodderspoon and Co.
1
1
0
Hunt and Favell
1
1
0
J. King
25
0
0


To Special Objects
M. Thomson Bequest Fund 1 column and arch +
300
0
0
Philip Hanmer (the late) 1 column
100
0
0
J. B. A. Acland 1 column
100
0
0
C. Dyke Acland 1 column
100
0
0
Archdeacon Willock 1 column
100
0
0
Fletcher 1 column
100
0
0
R. H. Rhodes 1 column
100
0
0
In memory of a Pilgrim 1 column
100
0
0
Barker Family (seven) 1 column
700
0
0
Mrs Sarah Hill (southern doorway)
100
0
0

For Pilgrims' Column
A Seymonrite
20
0
0
Archdeacon W. W. Willock
339
4
3
Archdeacon B. W. Dudley
27
11
7
A Passenger per Sir George Pollock +
4
0
0
John Anderson
10
0
0
William Pratt
10
0
0
The Very Rev. the Dean of Christchurch
10
0
0
In memoriam W. B. D. Wilson
10
0
0
Rev. F. Knowles
2
2
0
E. C. Latter
10
10
0
In Memoriam
5
0
0
J. R
0
10
0
+ paid in part


Payments received since Sept. 5th, 1876, on account of subscriptions already advertised
Dr. Donald
12
10
0
J. C Withnall
3
0
0
J. B. Fitzgerald
31
0
0
A Friend (per Dean of Christchurch)
50
0
0
R. H. Rhodes
300
0
0
Miles, Hassal & Co
400
0
0
Isaac Luck
125
0
0
Mrs Cyrus Davis
15
0
0
E. C. Minchin
33
6
8
C. J. Bridge
2
10
0
The Very Rev. the Dean of Christchurch
5
0
0
J. Kay
2
0
0
Archdeacon Harper
10
0
0
Rev. C. Bowen
20
0
0
R. J. S. Harman
25
0
0
Studholme Bros
40
0
0
Dominic Browne
2
0
0
C. C. Bowen
30
0
0
H. J. C., Christchurch
49
0
0
R. W. and R. J. Walter
8
0
0
J. Ballantyne
10
0
0

Early in March last a contract was entered into for the completion of the nave, inclusive of the large arch at the east end, clerestory and roof, at a cost of nearly £9600. This sum, however, does not provide for floor tiles and window glass. In addition, provision must be made for furniture, organ, etcetera. The funds available amount to a little over £7000, balance of the £8000 granted by the Synod out of the Church Property Loan floated in London.

The Bishop of Christchurch and the other members of the Cathedral Commission earnestly appeal to Church people and others for pecuniary assistance. The Commission have undertaken the completion of the nave, which, it is expected, will be available for Divine service in twelve months or so from date, believing that further donations will be forthcoming from the many who really wish to see a portion at least of the Cathedral finished.

Donations or subscriptions, which may be spread over a term of years, at the option of the subscribers, will be thankfully received by his Lordship the Bishop, the Dean of Christchurch, or by any other member of the Commission also by
C. R. BLAKISTON, Secretary and Treasurer,  Hereford street, Christchurch. 


Press, Volume XXXIII, Issue 4583, 9 April 1880, Page 4

[1] Frederick Banks was probably living in England at this time, he was later one of the three trustees of £5000 "The R. H. Rhodes Endowment" for the religious teaching of orphans, destitute children, inmates of the Lunatic Asylums etc - Star, Issue 5072, 5 August 1884, Page 3. Died 30 October 1894 at Christchurch, obituary - Star , Issue 5095, 31 October 1894, Page 4. Sat on the Diocesan Synod and member of the the Standing Committee.

[2] Philip Hanmer -  died at his residence, Fendaltown 3 November 1878 aged 48, Press, Volume XXX, Issue 4141, 4 November 1878, Page 2.  Solicitor of the firm Hanmer and Harper