http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/infocus/nzq022211/s_n01_22111574.jpg

This Thread is for all talk and pictures of Christchurch's other great Cathedral and (I don't use this word very often) iconic building - The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament - a true, true Masterpiece and Gem :)

The Press

The dome of the Catholic Cathedral on Barbadoes Street will be removed after an inspection revealed another large earthquake could topple it completely.

Expert advisers met with diocesan personnel today to consider the badly damaged Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament after an engineer's report showed the cathedral's dome is forcing weight-bearing structures outwards.

Another earthquake like the magnitude 6.3 on February 22 would topple the dome.

Bishop Barry Jones said work to remove the dome would begin as soon as possible, but other work had to be completed and equipment needed to be assembled first.

The work is expected to take several months to complete.

The building has been deemed too dangerous to enter since the September 4 earthquake and removal of the dome will be done by cranes at a distance from the site.

Four priests who lived at the Cathedral were forced to move out in September and masses were being held at the Catholic Cathedral College assembly hall nearby.

The Cathedral suffered further damage in the February 22 quake, with the two front towers collapsing and many stained glass windows breaking.

Jones said it was not known at this stage where future services will be held now.

"We don't know anything, all we're concerned about now is protecting human life."

No decisions will be made about the future of the building until a detailed engineering report is generated after the dome has been removed.

The way Christchurch people have banded together after the earthquake has been "admirable", Jones said.

"It's moving to see how impressive people are in helping other people."

- The Press

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I'm so pleased you have brought this wonderful piece of architecture and its damage to everyones attention. Unfortunately, due to its location, and Christchurch being recognized as predominantly Anglican, this masterpiece has always been in the shadow of the Cathedral in the Square and often almost forgotten. I for one have always preferred this cathedral. It is amazing to look at and the domes and stone work, not to mention its size make it one of the more striking cathedrals outside of Europe - and the white stone makes it also quite unique. I would like to see this rebuilt with a park like setting around it instead of the drab mix of grey semi commercial sheds and bus terminal that are not befitting for this church. Then it really would be on the visitors map. Thanks again davee.

One of the most beautiful domes in New Zealand.

This has to be my favourite building in NZ.

I'm so pleased you have brought this wonderful piece of architecture and its damage to everyones attention. Unfortunately, due to its location, and Christchurch being recognized as predominantly Anglican, this masterpiece has always been in the shadow of the Cathedral in the Square and often almost forgotten. I for one have always preferred this cathedral. It is amazing to look at and the domes and stone work, not to mention its size make it one of the more striking cathedrals outside of Europe - and the white stone makes it also quite unique. I would like to see this rebuilt with a park like setting around it instead of the drab mix of grey semi commercial sheds and bus terminal that are not befitting for this church. Then it really would be on the visitors map. Thanks again davee.

Agreed, I prefer this cathedral to the Anglican one, it's a far more dramatic and imposing building, it should be rebuit to it's original form. Surrounding it with a landscaped park would be the icing on the cake for me.

It'd be nice if Rome could fit the bill for fixing this.


Unfortunately, due to its location, and Christchurch being recognized as predominantly Anglican, this masterpiece has always been in the shadow of the Cathedral in the Square and often almost forgotten.
If the Stage II Tram Extension ever goes ahead, tourists will get to see it.

http://www.tram.co.nz/PicsHotel/ChchTram/Images/Extension.jpg
Note: the return leg may go through the CPIT campus instead (news link (http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/3852163/Tram-may-go-through-polytechnic)).

Agreed, I prefer this cathedral to the Anglican one, it's a far more dramatic and imposing building, it should be rebuit to it's original form. Surrounding it with a landscaped park would be the icing on the cake for me.

With a boulevard connecting it with a revitalised CBD.

Dreams are free :)

Agreed that the Vatican should pick up the tab for this. Such a tragedy and unfortunately buildings like this cost exhorbitant amounts of money to fix (or in this case, rebuild). Look at churches around the world that have technically been under construction for centuries.

I always thought they should swap the Cathedrals around - put this one in the Square. Maybe this could be an opportunity ;)

I agree, the Vatican should step up somewhat, not sure what their history is like in these situations but with their wealth and this building being so important to the city surely they would help in some form of financial assistance, Im not feeling so confident about that happening though.

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1299368165/610/4737610.jpg

I agree, the Vatican should step up somewhat, not sure what their history is like in these situations but with their wealth and this building being so important to the city surely they would help in some form of financial assistance, Im not feeling so confident about that happening though.

It's a real pity about this building, I don't think Christchurch ever gave it the respect it deserved, my cousin who lived in Christchurch for 15 years didn't even realise there were 2 cathedrals in the city, I think most of the country is probably the same, I doubt many people I know knew about it, I only only learn't about it when I made a wrong tern and drove past it some years back. I remember the first time I saw it and just had to find out what this amazing building was and how it came to be.

Being a Catholic (non-enthusiastic one at that) I'd been inside this beautiful building many times in the 10 years I spent there growing up, yet never inside the Anglican cathedral. I do believe that it is more beautiful than the Anglican one because of it's dramatic and imposing look. I remember as a 7 year old walking back through the grounds after having watched the rugby at Jade Stadium that I thought the building had a spooky look to it too :D.

Being a Catholic (non-enthusiastic one at that) I'd been inside this beautiful building many times in the 10 years I spent there growing up, yet never inside the Anglican cathedral. I do believe that it is more beautiful than the Anglican one because of it's dramatic and imposing look. I remember as a 7 year old walking back through the grounds after having watched the rugby at Jade Stadium that I thought the building had a spooky look to it too :D.

I can relate.

This evening I was driving south along Fitzgerald Avenue. Beautiful blinding orange sunset. With one eye on the 30 km per hour bumpy muddy cattle track that Fitzgerald Av has become I glanced over to the Basilica. Even in this state it looked breathtaking, maybe even more so now with the angels guarding its now very wonky cross.... Wish I had my camera- once in a lifetime shot. Reminded me of the famous picture of Londons St Pauls during the blitz.

And hear hear for this building getting a more prominent position in the city. Im all for a proper promenade from here, up along High Street, the casino, through Victoria Square and up to the Victoria Mansions. Aka Barcelonas Las Ramblas or Copenhagens Stroget.

And also, let the Vatican send some money our way for the rebuild.

I can relate.

This evening I was driving south along Fitzgerald Avenue. Beautiful blinding orange sunset. With one eye on the 30 km per hour bumpy muddy cattle track that Fitzgerald Av has become I glanced over to the Basilica. Even in this state it looked breathtaking, maybe even more so now with the angels guarding its now very wonky cross.... Wish I had my camera- once in a lifetime shot. Reminded me of the famous picture of Londons St Pauls during the blitz.

And hear hear for this building getting a more prominent position in the city. Im all for a proper promenade from here, up along High Street, the casino, through Victoria Square and up to the Victoria Mansions. Aka Barcelonas Las Ramblas or Copenhagens Stroget.

And also, let the Vatican send some money our way for the rebuild.

Absolutely agree. I think Copenhagen is a great place to start looking too for the future of Christchurch.

The concept of Las Ramblas would be perfect for our city and link the south to the north side beautifully!:banana:

Condolences from Morocco to the people of New Zealand and especially to the people in Christchurch.
New Zealand is a beautiful country.
Hope you can rebuilt your heritage and this beautiful church!
Peace and love from Morocco!

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1301447568/431/4827431.jpg

The fate of the Christchurch's Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament will not be known for at least two months.

The cathedral dome must be lowered to roof height and hazardous concrete debris removed from both front towers before structural engineers can carry out a full assessment.

This work is not expected to be completed until the middle of May.

Bishop Barry Jones, the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, said ``every effort'' would be made to save the Cathedral.

"The Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is our spiritual home in Canterbury. It is a magnificent building and an absolute treasure for Catholics throughout New Zealand and the world,'' he said.

``However, until engineers are able to get inside safely and carry out a comprehensive report, we can but wait and pray that it can be saved,'' he said.

Richard Munt, of Opus Consulting, said removing the giant central dome would be a taxing exercise.

``We are going to have to bring in specially a giant 400-tonne crane for the work, which will be carried out in several stages.'' Urgency is being given to clearing away the large debris on the northern tower and removing the bells housed in that section.


- The Press

Beautiful cathedral in a beautiful city :)

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Deconstruction work has begun on the precarious Christchurch Catholic Cathedral.

Work to bring down the main copper dome and north towers of Barbadoes St's Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrement is expected to be complete by late May.

The two structures are at risk of collapsing, should another large aftershock hit.

The cathedral was badly damaged in February's quake, although the full extent of the devastation will not be known until the building is declared safe for assessors to enter. This will happen once parts of the two front towers and the main dome have been dismantled.

http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/bells-toll-again-quake-ravaged-cathedral-1-47-video-4117628

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1308196325/706/5153706.jpg

The fate of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament's dome will be decided by engineers tomorrow.

The aftershocks on Monday damaged support structures for the dome, which may now have to be demolished, rather than removed in one piece as originally planned.

Engineers have used a remote-controlled ''helicopter'' equipped with a small camera to look at the earthquake-damaged interior of the cathedral.

Opus Consulting project manager John Craig said the ''toy'' helicopter was flown into the cathedral through a broken window.

The battery lasted 15 minutes, long enough to give engineers a brief glimpse of the quake damage.

"It was useful to get an idea of how the inside looks without people going in there. It is not an expensive toy. It only cost $500," he said.

Craig said the Monday aftershocks had put the cathedral in a perilous position.

"The building is a little bit more perilous than before and safety is of utmost importance. Some of the support for the dome has collapsed," he said.

"The cathedral is still standing, which is a surprise to some of us."

The Press

I hope they find a good solution!

Do you think that since they have to dismantle it anyway perhaps they should move it somewhere more central? Cranmer Sq or Latimer Sq would both be good sites (not in the middle - on one of the sides).

^^ I think church own most of the block, theres the school there of course too so they probably wont move it. The current Basilica is the third church to have stood on that site anyway apparently.

While Id like to see the new Basilica closer to the action, id be happy with a grand plaza around and it being a stop on big promenade along High Street from Victoria Square to the Stadium.

This is my favourite church in Christchurch, they better not demolish any if it!

This is my favourite church in Christchurch, they better not demolish any if it!

Mine too but I think mother nature has already as good as demolished it. There isn't much left to repair that I can see. Taking it down saving as much as they can and then rebuilding it is about all we can hope for.

Did any of you see the footage of the remote controlled helicopter with camera flying around inside - so, so sad........

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It 'sad to see images of destruction ... What decision was taken in regard to the cathedral? You already know something? I hope he can return to the period before the earthquake.

You're in Italy, go ask the Pope to pay for the rebuild!

Ive always maintained the Vatican should stump up the cash for this. Im sure our Monsignori have been spamming Rome doing the cap in hand thing right now.

You're in Italy, go ask the Pope to pay for the rebuild!

Hahaha ... indictable make me laugh! No offense to you! :nuts:
The pope only interested in its 0.44 km square! Do you think he can help? He has not spent a penny for the reconstruction of the city of L'Aquila in Abruzzo. Now, he is not spending money for humanitarian aid, caused by the continuing illegal landings in southern Italy, from North Africa.

Ive always maintained the Vatican should stump up the cash for this. Im sure our Monsignori have been spamming Rome doing the cap in hand thing right now.

Unnecessary time! Rather than ask the international community, of economic aid.

Work under way to remove cathedral dome

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1308610644/009/5171009.jpg

Work is underway to remove the dome from atop the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.

The cross that stood atop the dome of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament has gone.

Demolition work has begun on the Catholic cathedral in Barbadoes Street after the dome "wobbled like jelly" in last week's aftershocks.

The demolition workers have now removed the cross and started work on splitting the dome into four.

The plan to lift the dome off intact was dropped after it sustained further damage in the recent quakes.

The extra damage has also meant the rear portion of the cathedral, where the dome sits, would have to be demolished.

Work is under way to cut the dome into four parts before removing it. Contractors are working from the top of the building, instead of alongside it, which would have been required if it was removed as a single piece.

Work, delayed yesterday by the weather, is expected to take six weeks. The rear part of the building will then be demolished.

Cathedral management board chairman Lance Ryan said contractors were suspended from a crane when the first quake hit on Monday last week and saw the dome "wobble like a jelly".

Ryan said it was still hoped to save the main nave of the cathedral and as much of the historic character of the building as possible, but that would depend on a full assessment once it was safe to enter.

Any rebuilding work would have to comply with much tougher regulations likely in the aftermath of the quakes.

Ad Feedback - The Press

double post

Hahaha ... indictable make me laugh! No offense to you! :nuts:
The pope only interested in its 0.44 km square! Do you think he can help? He has not spent a penny for the reconstruction of the city of L'Aquila in Abruzzo.




Are you serious? That is truly shocking if thats the case. You think any churches needing rebuilding in Italy would get the money before anyone else no questions asked! What is the Holy See doing?

I believe the Holy Father has already given 50,000 Euros to the planning and rebuilding of the Cathedral.

I might add, that the Cathedral has some very beautiful treasures that have come from the Vatican, including a splendid icon given by Pope Leo XXIII.

Money? Haha, in the final months of last year, has opened a judicial inquiry, the fact that you spent a million euros, to receive the pope in Abruzzo. The problem is that this money should be earmarked for part of the reconstruction work after the earthquake.To pay that, to welcome the Pope's helicopter, and organize everything else. A shame!

Now, it's been more than two years after the earthquake (namely April 6, 2009), and what can you tell? Everything stood still that day, or at least has changed little, were just rebuilt wooden prefabricated houses. Of course there is no reason to complain, but the reconstruction of the old town, with churches, fountains, historic buildings?

The desire to return to normal by the citizens of L'Aquila is great, but you can not feel what they have around. What I am about to write is a small letter, two parents who lost their son, the college campus. Of these papers, there are many, unfortunately, still attached, in the many gates, which along with photos of dead people, and flowers are placed in areas that surround the buildings that have suffered significant damage and collapse in the various, scattered throughout the city.

<<For the tourists and the curious, that you are visiting a place is not any. It is not a tourist attraction. This was a piece of our city, living until recently. It is too early to treat it as an archaeological site, where smiling pose for a photo shoot. Pity those who died under the rubble and those who died because of those people still crying. Consider that where you come and look around we live.Ours is a difficult reality that you will never understand. The only help you can give is to report honestly what you see around you, and make sure that everyone knows the dignity and strength that make us go on>>.

The media have reported only the beginning the news of the earthquake, only to sell newspapers and fill the TV shows. After dark. It was not known anything. The RAI (the state public television, is not free, but controlled by politicians), the other major Italian commercial television (Mediaset, Berlusconi belong to the same). The weapon of the people of Abruzzo are internet blogs, YouTube and the various local sites of free information. It is a terrible reality. The fault is not only of those who govern the country, but also other representatives who are above. The pope during an Angelus on Sunday, said the city would come alive. But later, he did not say anything, in the sense that it no longer stirred the consciences of those who should be put to work for the reconstruction. People feel left alone. It is useless to put the army scattered around the cities affected by the earthquake, like a place of war, what the public want, is to have a dignity, to live normally.
We should also mention the mafia infiltration. The reconstruction would be worth billions and billions of euros. You make plans, he collects the money, but nothing is done. This is Italy.

Sorry if I telling you all this!

Agreed, I prefer this cathedral to the Anglican one, it's a far more dramatic and imposing building, it should be rebuit to it's original form. Surrounding it with a landscaped park would be the icing on the cake for me.

I think both cathedrals are excellent beautiful buildings. I don't think I can really compare one against the other as they are of quite different designs. But perhaps the Catholic Cathedral is more special in the sense that there are a number of other churches in NZ that are similar style and design to the Anglican Cathedral (albeit not as large) whereas NZ (and in fact Australasia) doesn't have too many examples of churches in the style the Catholic Cathedral is.

I think there are TWO reasons why the Catholic Cathedral is less known about

1) Anglicanism was and still is the predominant religion in Chch.

2) Location, Location, Location... The Catholic Cathedral is too far away from anything else touristy to bother going to see.

It's also worth noting that the Dean of the Anglican Cathedral (Rev Peter Beck) has been on the TV a LOT since the quake... Where has the Catholic equivalent been?

Now, it's been more than two years after the earthquake (namely April 6, 2009), and what can you tell? Everything stood still that day, or at least has changed little, were just rebuilt wooden prefabricated houses. Of course there is no reason to complain, but the reconstruction of the old town, with churches, fountains, historic buildings?



We tend to be caught up in our own earthquake so much that we forget others have been or are still going through the same thing. Interestingly enough I was in Rome for a few days in late May 2009 but didn't see much damage there (and I know it was pretty close). I bet I'll pay more attention next time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_L%27Aquila_earthquake makes for an interesting read - especially the camping weekend quote.

Sorry for drifting this off topic a little.

I think the Blessed Sacrament has a very bright future in the rebuild. For the last few years, more and more people have seen the wonderful value of this building and been thinking how it can be incorperated into the living experience of the city.

The Earthquake has given both Cathedrals a unique opportunity to rebuild, refocus and work together on many differentent leaves for the good of the city - I can't see what is suggested.

My personal preferance is that the Blessed Sacarament and Christ Church Cathedrals are linked like the Cathedrals in Liverpool and everything between them grows and thrives.

I would love to see the Blessed Sacrament surrounded by a wonderful, European streetscape and lifestyle - something unique in Australasia :banana:

We tend to be caught up in our own earthquake so much that we forget others have been or are still going through the same thing. Interestingly enough I was in Rome for a few days in late May 2009 but didn't see much damage there (and I know it was pretty close). I bet I'll pay more attention next time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_L%27Aquila_earthquake makes for an interesting read - especially the camping weekend quote.

Sorry for drifting this off topic a little.

Do not worry, my speech was only to question the actions of Italy against this earthquake ... I agree with you, we went a bit off topic. I apologize again with other users.

As for the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, I hope and believe that you will do much, given how they are going to work. What matters to me, is the desire to revive, rebuild, to feel close and supported by their own countrymen.
Apart from that you know that although I can not do anything useful, I am close to you with the thought and heart. A tragedy can never be forgotten, especially for someone like me who care, a country like yours. I hope you want to take these words of mine as well.

I think the Blessed Sacrament has a very bright future in the rebuild. For the last few years, more and more people have seen the wonderful value of this building and been thinking how it can be incorperated into the living experience of the city.

The Earthquake has given both Cathedrals a unique opportunity to rebuild, refocus and work together on many differentent leaves for the good of the city - I can't see what is suggested.

My personal preferance is that the Blessed Sacarament and Christ Church Cathedrals are linked like the Cathedrals in Liverpool and everything between them grows and thrives.

I would love to see the Blessed Sacrament surrounded by a wonderful, European streetscape and lifestyle - something unique in Australasia :banana:

Hey dave, even though they are demolishing part of the cathedral beneath the dome, does that mean they will put it back together the way it originally was (with stengthening adhering to new building laws) or change it completely? im confused :nuts:

I hope they do put it back the way it was!!! it would be a crime not to.

Hey dave, even though they are demolishing part of the cathedral beneath the dome, does that mean they will put it back together the way it originally was (with stengthening adhering to new building laws) or change it completely? im confused :nuts:

Not sure Tony :ohno:

I would guess it would be put back in exactly the same way, the East end is unique in that design. Remember, the Altar should be there, not under the dome - this is where Peitre was pushing the boundries of basilica design. To add anything else or create something modern would be horrid and unfaithful (excuse the punn) to the building.

I'm still wondering if the whole building will be deconstructed and rebuild in a better position, allowing for amazing development around it and with it's Anglican Sister -another unique point of interest and life in the city! I only hope so.

A robot was sent into Christchurch's Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament this morning to assess earthquake damage.

The remote-contolled New Zealand Army robot is equipped with a video camera that can beam footage back to a laptop computer.

The robot entered the Catholic cathedral in Barbadoes St through a hole cut in a door on the southern wall.

Opus engineers and army robot operator Kieran Coulton gathered in a reinforced-steel container next to the cathedral to watch the laptop screen.

They saw the first clear images of the cathedral's interior since the February quake.

Opus structural engineer Jamie Lester said the footage revealed many of the stone columns in the nave of the cathedral were badly cracked.

It will cost $100 million to rebuild this cathedral.

It will cost $100 million to rebuild this cathedral.

Shocking :ohno: Where did you get that figure from Nicco?

The question is - should it be rebuilt then?

^^ $100 million well spent! :) but still that seems abit too much...

It has to be rebuilt! il disown Christchurch if they dont lol

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1311724262/148/5347148.jpg

The deconstruction of Christchurch's Catholic cathedral reached another milestone yesterday when the top of the dome was removed.

The eight-tonne structure, which has had the copper outer layer and individual rafters removed in recent weeks, was unhitched using a ring- beam attached to a crane with a 40-metre reach.

Originally, the plan was to lift the 20-tonne dome off intact.

However, Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament officials and engineers decided it was safer to cut the dome into segments after June 13's aftershocks, when it "wobbled like jelly".

Opus engineer Jamie Lester said it would take until mid-October to remove the rest of the dome and demolish the rear part of the building.

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It is so sad to see such a lovely building in such a sad state. I much prefer this Cathedral to the other one.