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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

The Roman Catholic Cathedral Of Christchurch

The Roman Catholic Cathedral Of Christchurch now (May, 1902) being built in Barbadoes Street, will be, when finished, a building of great beauty. With a depth of 208 feet, it will have a width of 108 feet, whilst the cross surmounting the dome will attain a height of 135 feet. The material used in the base of the building is Timaru stone, presenting an appearance both neat and massive; the sub-basis is Mount Someres stone. The rest of the structure consists of a judicious mingling of mount Somers and the best Oamaru stone that can be procured; the heart of the walls being of solid concrete, the utmost amount of strength will be secured. The columns of the portico on the facade will start from a beautifully panelled base of 7 feet, and will then become rounded Corinthian columns, rising to about 44 feet from the floor. This facade will have two flanking towers rising to the height of 100 feet. From the entrance of the narthex, or vestibule of the Cathedral, the eye will rest on forty graceful columns supporting the galleries to be erected around the basilica. With these galleries, there will be seating accommodation for fully 3000 people. The chancel is surrounded by four massive pilasters, from which will spring four beautiful arches, rising 40 feet from the floor of the nave, whilst a circular row of clustering columns will form a most appropriate background to the high altar. Each of the side aisles will contain six chapels, twelve in all.