ive studied most of NZ churches. some real beuaties.ive got time now to post a couple.
the tallest being Christ church in Christchurch.
Standing 64m high. constructed between 1864-1904
tower completed-1881. The spire has suffered from 3 earthquakes.
In 1901 the top 9m was dislodged and replaced with copper.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1093/609671455_89a7be93d0_b.jpg

2nd tallest being the magnificent 56m spire of Dunedins First Church.
This is one of my favourites in the world.
Completed in 1874,it was 2nd tallest structure in southern hemisphere!
love the oamaru stone.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/165/343504670_d76498d8fe_b.jpg

the spire dominates the town of Dunedin

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/154/354617896_537df37935_b.jpg

3rd tallest in NZ
Knox Church, Dunedin
50m 1876
love the blue/grey stone work

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1248/597939061_98f72c9bd7_o.jpg

I reckon that the best cathedrals are in the Southern part of the country - Dunedin really took the Scottish architecture thing and ran with it.

The Anglican cathedral in Auckland isn't bad though - I'll take some pictures when I am next in the city if I have time. The Catholic cathedral is a joke though.

^yes St mathews is awesome. powerful tower.
Wellington has many timber churches.
4th tallest in NZ
St Johns, Wellington
46m /1885
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/378185893_125900431c_o.jpg

St patricks cathedral, Auckland
43m /1908
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/33/57454237_d40734646d_b.jpg

I also love Dunedins First Church!! Simply Awesome

Great pics Cul :) Don't think i've seen that one of the First Church in Dunedin before, looks amazing! I wish they would build churches in a similar vein today.
St Matthews is great but I wish it had the spire built.

The Roman Catholic Basilica of Christchurch, 37m at the top of the dome.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h285/CHCartel/Ghetto016.jpg
http://i199.photobucket.com/albums/aa276/RodriguezOrejuela/Jade022-1.jpg

Wow!

cartel-yes the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is impressive. its 200ft long and was built 1901-05.
more great architecture
The St Pauls in Dunedin has the only stone vaulted ceiling in NZ.(40m towers)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/St_Pauls_Anglican_Cathedral_Dunedin.jpg/400px-St_Pauls_Anglican_Cathedral_Dunedin.jpg

another great church is St mary of the ANgels in Wellington

http://www.venueweb.co.nz/north/10_wellington/st_marys/st_maryext.jpg


impressive interior
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/72/219016999_b02c9ebd30.jpg?v=0

st Iona union church in Port chalmers with its gorgeous 36m spire

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/133924562_d83a6d7269_o.jpg

I said it before, now I'll restate again - the South has architecture down to a tee.

These are located in Symonds Street - Auckland, I don't know the names ... help :)

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/84379958.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/74142408.jpg

This one is in Ponsonby ....

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/61894331.jpg

That top one I know as I pass it all the time, but I can't think for the life of me what it's name is! It's in a sorry state of repair the poor thing. Some of the masonary fell off the roof in my first year here and hasn't been replaced. It was lying on the floor for a very long time. I wish the church would start a repair fund so that I could give some money to get it done up again as it really is a nice little building.

This one is in Ponsonby ....

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/61894331.jpg

Oh, I HATE HATE HATE HATE HATE the new cathedral in Ponsonby, the little Kauri chapel is absolutely lovely though. Have you ever been inside it? Absolutely stunning and completely kauri too! Has a lovely little organ loft.

Parnell ....

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/86700153.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/86700331.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/86700332.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/76828904.jpg

Another massive one on Wellesley Street, Auckland - I think ..

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/86271069.jpg

Thanks Cul - I love your Australian Cathedral and Churches Thread :banana:

is that St matthew in the City? ^^
http://l.yimg.com/www.flickr.com/images/spaceball.gif

^^ That's the Anglican Cathedral I think. I love that one!

St Matthew-Auckland
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/81/245298404_ccacaa764c.jpg

The exterior doesn't do it justice. The interior is even more impressive - especially for an Auckland house of worship.

Does anyone have a picture of the Baptist Tabernacle at the top of Queen Street? That's another impressive one!

I really like this one, here in Auckland, St Andews presbyterian church. The portico and tower/spire look real stunning on the Symonds St/Alten St intersection.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC01283-1.jpg

Parnell ....

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/86700153.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/86700331.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/86700332.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/enigma35/image/76828904.jpg

These here are the Cathedral and Pro-Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity of the Anglican Diocese of Auckland.

The Pro-Cathedral (the white wooden building) is the largest wooden church in NZ and was designed by Chch's own Benjamin Mountford for the church in AKL! The souths gift to the north :banana:

Hehe, like I said David, I love that little Chapel - it's really cute. When I can find a moment I'll take some shots inside it as it really speaks volumes for craftsmanship.

The cathedral in Hokitika is pretty impressive but I have no pics. What is it St Marys? A couple of notible ones in Merivale, fendalton & Upper Riccarton too (upload pics when I get a chance). Amazing but not suprising how the architectural styles vary so greatly region to region in such a small country

another tall church is out at Grafton. the 40m timber spire dominates the suburb.
Holy Sepulchre church-when completed in 1881, it was Aucklands tallest structure.
http://www.dayout.co.nz/public-files/pictures/18710.jpg

The cathedral in Hokitika is pretty impressive but I have no pics. What is it St Marys? A couple of notible ones in Merivale, fendalton & Upper Riccarton too (upload pics when I get a chance). Amazing but not suprising how the architectural styles vary so greatly region to region in such a small country

:lol::lol:Hokitika doesn't have a cathedral Cartel :lol: The church you are talking of is very grand though.

Cathedrals (from the word Cathedra = Throne or seat) is the church building where where a Bishop (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox and some Lutheran Churches) has his throne. It is the mother church of the diocese.

Hokitika is in the Anglican and Roman Catholic Dioceses of Christchurch :lol:

Charming little church

All Saints in Howick 1847

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/All_Saints_Church_Howick.jpg/800px-All_Saints_Church_Howick.jpg

I'm actually not a huge fan of All Saints, it can look quite run down from some angles. Much prefer stone churches in general (except for the one in Parnell).

i recieved plans years ago from st mathews. they have a planned 25m spire which will total 60m/200ft high if it ever goes ahead.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/321931152_46d4064e7f_o.jpg

ok here is a contrast... Instead of all those large but grand ol' stone churches in NZ - since we are a country of low population with many small communities, how about this church...

It is St Oswalds, in the middle of nowhere on the stunning but rather lonely section of State Highway 1. It's between the tiny village of Ward and the Clarence River, (ie: north of Kaikoura and south of Blenheim)

http://www.nzine.co.nz/images/articles/kaikoura.jpg

^that is so cute.how many would it seat? 20?

Hehe, like I said David, I love that little Chapel - it's really cute. When I can find a moment I'll take some shots inside it as it really speaks volumes for craftsmanship.

Which little chapel Svart???

when completed in 1881, the enormous ChristChurch Cathedral was tallest structure in NZ @ 64m or 208ft.
In 1888 there was an earthquake which dislodged the top section of spire.

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/miscpics/0/0/7/im/mp007110.jpg

heres a pic in 1890 showing restored spire
The cathedral was NZ TALLEST STRUCTURE until 1966 when the council building in Auckland was erected.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an3366506-s34-a1-v

I'm sure I read somewhere that St Andrews Church on Symonds St is possibly the oldest remaining church in Auckland.... Does anyone know if this is true?

Which little chapel Svart???

The Kauri one next to the modern cathedral in Parnell.

when completed in 1881, the enormous ChristChurch Cathedral was tallest structure in NZ @ 64m or 208ft.
In 1888 there was an earthquake which dislodged the top section of spire.

http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/miscpics/0/0/7/im/mp007110.jpg

heres a pic in 1890 showing restored spire
The cathedral was NZ TALLEST STRUCTURE until 1966 when the council building in Auckland was erected.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an3366506-s34-a1-v

Thanks Cul, great pictures and great information about one of NZ's most important buildings.

:banana::banana:

There are some beautiful churches in NZ I think!

:lol::lol:Hokitika doesn't have a cathedral Cartel :lol: The church you are talking of is very grand though.

Cathedrals (from the word Cathedra = Throne or seat) is the church building where where a Bishop (Roman Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox and some Lutheran Churches) has his throne. It is the mother church of the diocese.

Hokitika is in the Anglican and Roman Catholic Dioceses of Christchurch :lol:

Yess, well I'm obviosuly very clued up on the ways of the christian world aren't I!:nuts:


Hmmm I think I should do a set on all the notable churches of christ in christ church, there must be dozens..

Yess, well I'm obviosuly very clued up on the ways of the christian world aren't I!:nuts:


Hmmm I think I should do a set on all the notable churches of christ in christ church, there must be dozens..

:lol:Now you know............:)

I like your idea for a local CHC church thread - do it!!!:banana::)

I really like this one, here in Auckland, St Andews presbyterian church. The portico and tower/spire look real stunning on the Symonds St/Alten St intersection.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v45/Flyin_higher/DSC01283-1.jpg

Wow I like this church. Its style shows some conncetion to the St Andrew's Church, also Presbyterian, in Wellington especially the steeple. Below is the
4th St Andrew's Church in Wellington.

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2756/sontheterracekh2.jpg

There are beautiful churches in the City that have been dwarfed by the surrounding high rise buildings.

here is a nice one... St Pauls in Waipara, North Canterbury

http://www.dayout.co.nz/public-files/pictures/24840.jpg

St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Auckland
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/126253325_063ca12bb8_o.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/130/333824935_0cfe9aa44e_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/169/416318718_830a17e4ba_b.jpg
CONSTRUCTION Began December 1847

a far cry from the prettiest of the bunch, but here's Napier's cathedral.
http://spotyo.orcon.net.nz/Napier/Picture%20250.jpg

I've never heard of this church before?
Designed by Robert Lawson
Church in Milton-Tokomairiro Presbyterian Church
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/MiltonchurchNZ.jpg

i recieved plans years ago from st mathews. they have a planned 25m spire which will total 60m/200ft high if it ever goes ahead.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/143/321931152_46d4064e7f_o.jpg

Aren't there pictures of the inside of Saint Mathew's church?
I love its design

a far cry from the prettiest of the bunch, but here's Napier's cathedral.
http://spotyo.orcon.net.nz/Napier/Picture%20250.jpg

A unique and amazing building. The cathedral before this one was destroyed in the Napier earthquake and was designed by Benjamin Mountfort. The present cathedral is an Art Deco version of it.

Spot - do you have any pictures from inside - I'd LOVE to see what it is like.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/53/141259387_34c9492732_o.jpg

I think that there are many beautifull churches & cathedrals in NZ. these pics are great and it would be great to see more.

I'm sure I read somewhere that St Andrews Church on Symonds St is possibly the oldest remaining church in Auckland.... Does anyone know if this is true?

Depends on what you mean by Auckland. If you are talking Auckland CBD, then yes, I think that St Andrews is the oldest remaining church in the CBD. If we are talking the Auckland Metropolitan Area, then All Saints is certainly older.

The one church that I would have loved to have seen would have to be old St Pauls; I have read that it was an extremely large church compared with Auckland's size at the time and it is a pity that it had to be torn down.

^^ Didnt it burn down?

BTW, Someone on here said that the church on Symonds Street was to get a new spire...Are there any details?

Because that is quite a pretty church!

^^ Didnt it burn down?

BTW, Someone on here said that the church on Symonds Street was to get a new spire...Are there any details?

Because that is quite a pretty church!

Old St Pauls had to be torn down because it was on Point Britomart, and the ground underneath it was being taken away for reclamation projects. The site of the church is that triangular park on Emily Place, and so you can see why the church was torn down.

^^ I have heard that there are still some remains of that church in Emily Place park.

^^ I have heard that there are still some remains of that church in Emily Place park.

The only thing that I can think of is the obelisk in the centre of the park. That was originally outside of the church. Otherwise, I don't think that there are any remains of that church in Emily Place park (and I have walked through it so many times, if it were obvious, I would have seen it by now).

Again, if you consider the street level compared with the park, you can understand why there would be no remains.

a couple of days ago there was a banner picture I think of an austrian city with just church spires and mountains in the background, looked really cool. Trying to think of a good new zealand example. My home town of timaru st marys and the the sacred heart bascillca, with the southern alps in the back, this would look pretty cool, just cant find any pics

^^ Its a great church
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/162275692_9813470bd0_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/2254370318_c105c354a2_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/400800758_7eecec7809_b.jpg

Another one:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/40/82513737_d9aff6bbac_b.jpg

nice, looks pretty cool with snow in the background

This is All Saints Anglican in Palmerston North. There are some beautiful churches in the city, and this is by no means one of the best examples. But while a few generations of my family have been married there, what really intrigued me as a kid was its colour, given that the only other churches I had seen at that point were white or a shade of grey (and the fact there was a small pet cemetary next door....).

http://www.dayout.co.nz/public-files/pictures/5210.jpg

There is a wonderful shot thats used in various NZ tourism promotions of a small church/parish in the middle of nowhere, with tundra-like growth for miles and the Southern Alps (I think) in the background (and perhaps a lake).

Vague I know, but if anyone can track it down that would be great - I've always wanted a framed copy for the wall at home!

^^Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo?

http://www.newzealandatoz.com/otherimages/historic_little_chapel_church_in_tekapo_new_zealand_2_400.jpg

the one in palmy is pretty cool. The Church of the Good Shepherd is probably the most famous building in south canterbury

^^Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo?

http://www.newzealandatoz.com/otherimages/historic_little_chapel_church_in_tekapo_new_zealand_2_400.jpg

Yeah, thats it I think. Although the scene I am talking of is from a different angle, and there are no people in it.

Nice though.

^^ Its a great church
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/55/162275692_9813470bd0_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/2254370318_c105c354a2_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/179/400800758_7eecec7809_b.jpg

Another one:
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/40/82513737_d9aff6bbac_b.jpg

Two lovely Timaru Churchs. I have never been in the Sacred Heart - would love to though.

The neo gothic one is St Mary's - my step grandparents parish church. It is really nice inside.:)

St Mary's Basilica, Catholic church in Invercargill

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/5581618.jpg

First Church, largest Presbytarian church in Invercargill. (People seem to rave about the architecture of this one for some reason, personally I think it's quite bland, but perhaps it was amazing for the era it was built or something)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/2101844020_9eaebeecdf_o.jpg

great photos
hey how tall do you think this tower is of St pauls, wellington?
the church itself is huge. measured 300ft long.
i think tower would have to be 40m?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3129128179_1d82b943c7_b.jpg

more
love all these
iona union church/port chalmers (36m spire)
so impressive for a small township
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/3129148449_d7b38abe25_b.jpg

knox church (50m)
great height.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/3129976780_d89e002f70_b.jpg

my fav. first church (56m).amazing design
in 1875 -it was 2nd tallest structure in southern hemisphere!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3129148177_90a7937e9c_b.jpg

^^
It DOES look pretty neat. Very complicated design.

great photos
hey how tall do you think this tower is of St pauls, wellington?
the church itself is huge. measured 300ft long.
i think tower would have to be 40m?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3084/3129128179_1d82b943c7_b.jpg

Fantastic its design, one of a few cathedral built in Gothic-Art-Deco style.

^^Great cavan of an interior!!

Not my favorite cathedral though.

I prefer the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Wellington - even though it is minus it's towers due to earthquake risk.

more
love all these
iona union church/port chalmers (36m spire)
so impressive for a small township
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/3129148449_d7b38abe25_b.jpg

knox church (50m)
great height.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/3129976780_d89e002f70_b.jpg

my fav. first church (56m).amazing design
in 1875 -it was 2nd tallest structure in southern hemisphere!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/3129148177_90a7937e9c_b.jpg

Dunedin is very blessed to have such stunning churches - just adds to the cities fantastic charm!!

yes, all the scots relocated there in late 19thC and they built some amazing architecture with there gifted building skills.

If you have been to Edinburgh, you can see a distinct link between the mother city and her daughter.

Dunedin really is the Edinburgh of the South.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2328/2080005199_aeef044ec0.jpg?v=1200806483
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2375689270_8d42035946.jpg?v=0from flicker

St Patricks in Oamaru.

Such a big basilica for such a small town.

Another Peitrie Masterpiece.

Oamaru and Timaru have some wonderful churches. I was also recently inside an Anglican church called St John's in Invercargill for a film I was helping with an was absolutely amazed at the awesome 'medieval' looking wooden interior. It looked like Hogwarts from Harry Potter or something. The church isn't particularly amazing from the outside which makes me think there must be other relatively nondescrpit churches with amazing interiors. Sadly I don't have pics =(

Out of interest, anyone know the biggest church in NZ by area of the main...um...whatever you call the main hall part of a church?

^^ That would be the Cathedral of The Blessed Sacrament in CHC Richard. Christchurch having not only the largest church but the tallest too, The Anglican Cathedral in the square. :cheers:

Here is the aforementioned

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h285/CHCartel/Ghetto016.jpg

Oamaru and Timaru have some wonderful churches. I was also recently inside an Anglican church called St John's in Invercargill for a film I was helping with an was absolutely amazed at the awesome 'medieval' looking wooden interior. It looked like Hogwarts from Harry Potter or something. The church isn't particularly amazing from the outside which makes me think there must be other relatively nondescrpit churches with amazing interiors. Sadly I don't have pics =(

Out of interest, anyone know the biggest church in NZ by area of the main...um...whatever you call the main hall part of a church?

That would be the called the "Nave" in church speak.

Yes, the largest voluminous church is indeed the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament

Here is the aforementioned

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h285/CHCartel/Ghetto016.jpg

Oh how I love this Cathedral..............................

First Church, largest Presbytarian church in Invercargill. (People seem to rave about the architecture of this one for some reason, personally I think it's quite bland, but perhaps it was amazing for the era it was built or something)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2275/2101844020_9eaebeecdf_o.jpg

This one of the very few churches built in the Italo-Byzantine style in New Zealand. A very rare choice when Victorian Gothic Revival was all the rage.

This is a lovely church in a lovely location. My Great-Great-Grandfather Duncan Stirling built this.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3427457939_d1d4aaa126_b.jpg

Picture perfect :banana::banana:

Now that's what I call a real NZ postcard scene :)

The church is just wonderful...........any pictures of the interior?

^^ That would be the Cathedral of The Blessed Sacrament in CHC Richard. Christchurch having not only the largest church but the tallest too, The Anglican Cathedral in the square. :cheers:

Are you sure about that, I would have thought that both of the Assembly of God churches in Auckland would have been larger. But then again is the Assembly og God really a church or a bunch of wackos?

Picture perfect :banana::banana:

Now that's what I call a real NZ postcard scene :)

The church is just wonderful...........any pictures of the interior?

It's very small and plain but very nice. My cousin had the christening of her twins there a couple of weeks ago. It was awesome.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1342/1435430013_d5697c2b1c_o.jpg

^^Thanks for the pic :)

Simple is often beautiful - like what we see above.

You're welcome Davee. And I agree...sometimes less is more.

Your great great grandfather did a good job on that little jem!.

Your great great grandfather did a good job on that little jem!.

Thanks, I am hoping that I can follow in his footsteps and complete my BA/MA in Architectural studies soon at The University of Auckland. :banana::banana::banana:

Stripping paint from interior walls of Holy Trinity Church in Christchurch has revealed artwork possibly done by the building's architect, Benjamin Mountfort.

The discovery of the stencil designs has excited members of the Avonside church's heritage group, which recently began a $1 million restoration project on the 135-year-old building.

The artwork was found by German restorer Detlef Klein, who was stripping pink and blue paint that was thought to have been applied in the 1960s.

Canterbury University associate professor of fine arts Ian Lochhead, a member of the group, was thrilled at the discovery.

He said the work was significant.

Along with ornate wall and floor tiles that had also been hidden, by panelling and carpet respectively, it showed New Zealand's most eminent architect in the Gothic revival style had designed the church as "a recreation of 14th-century European architecture that is very rare in New Zealand".

"This is among the gems of ecclesiastical architecture of New Zealand and is quite exceptional as a masonry building," Lochhead said.

Holy Trinity vicar, the Rev Hugh Bowron, said leaks in the roof, causing damage to the interior of the church, might have led to the painting of the walls. Slapping paint over stained areas was "a pragmatic Kiwi thing to do", he said.

No-one cared about heritage or restoration 50 to 60 years ago, he said.

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1260131596/891/3131891.jpg

The Press

Now restored in its centennial year, a Waimate landmark resounded for decades to the accents of presiding French priests, writes KEN FRASER.

When a casket containing the remains of 19th- century French bishop Pompallier was brought to Waimate on a national tour in 2002, it rested in a former base for French priests preaching to mainly Irish worshippers and offspring.

Jean Baptiste Francois Pompallier's Marist priests were until the 1880s - as Frenchmen - the main ethnic group among New Zealand's Catholic clergy. Assisting change was an influx of Irish immigrants and clergy.

But French priests, beginning with John Goutenoire in 1881 and ending with Leopold Carcenac (1939-47), continued to serve with distinction at Waimate, Carcenac being the last French Marist cleric stationed in New Zealand. The fusion of French accents and Irish heritage seemed to work, in contrast to the linguistic frustrations aired by West Coasters.

Waimate was a logical part of the itinerary seven years ago for the journey of Pompallier bones and relics after their exhumation on the outskirts of Paris and, finally, re- interment at Hokianga in the Far North of New Zealand, the country in which Pompallier directed his "Sons of France" for three decades.

Visiting French priest Jean Baptiste Chataigner said the first Waimate Mass in 1867 at the home of Larry and Sarah Tooher. Their bluestone cottage is just up the road from St Patrick's Basilica, which was completed in 1909 after congregations outgrew a wooden church built in 1876. The latter (also dedicated to St Patrick) was in 1934 shifted 50km to Washdyke on the northern outskirts of Timaru.

Depicted in one of the Waimate basilica's beautiful stained-glass windows is St Peter Chanel, who sailed with Pompallier from Le Havre, France, in 1837. As members of the new Marist order, their mission was to evangelise the far- flung islands of the southwestern Pacific, Chanel becoming the First Martyr of the South Seas after being murdered on the island of Futuna in 1841.

The basilica in its centennial year has also completed a nine-year $600,000 restoration programme. Parishioners and others in their donations and fundraising have emulated some of the faith and sacrifice of the early congregations.

A third of the cost has been paid by the Lottery Grants Board and there have also been contributions from other charities "including the Mid and South Canterbury Community Trust and the Lion Foundation", says John Foley, chairman of the restoration trust.

The Lombard Romanesque basilica designed by Francis William Petre, perhaps New Zealand's most significant neo-classical architect, is nationally recognised with a Category I (Historic Places Trust) registration and top heritage rating in the Waimate District Town Plan.

Oblong with a semi-circular apse accentuating Petre's masterful use of light, the structure has for most of its life been known as St Patrick's Church but is now "confirmed as architecturally a basilica", Foley says. It makes Waimate the smallest town in Australasia with a basilica in its midst.

Built in concrete, Oamaru stone and bricks from Quinn's kilns at nearby Makikihi, the basilica's airiness and Carrara marble from Tuscany are among interior features, including marble altar rails recovered from among the church piles for the restoration. The tower's three bells were cast in Belgium.

Long concrete columns support the organ loft and choir gallery above the main entrance of the nave, the Hobday organ having been restored in 1996 at a cost of $70,000.

Christchurch organist Martin Setchell has been among the visiting performers at fundraising concerts in St Patrick's, as has renowned soprano Dame Malvina Major, who has received standing ovations.

Ecumenism is also alive and well at Waimate, with St Patrick's and St Augustine's Anglican Church having recently held a combined dinner and auction in the Waimate Stadium. The 136-year-old St Augustine's has a $500,000 restoration programme and will share proceeds from the next concert in St Patrick's Basilica.

"We (the basilica trust) plan to have two major events (concerts) every year in the basilica, " says Foley.

"And the basilica is open to the general public every day of the week, Mondays to Sundays, 9am to 5pm."

The landmark on the northern entrance to the town's main street seems to have an assured future.

Perhaps that's a widening smile on the face of the statue of Ireland's patron saint near the front pews.