21. STREET POSTER BOARD IV

The interior of the Cathedral presents a harmony of gracious arcades, colonnades with their vaulted capitals and an interplay of gracious arches. To conserve the fabric of the building, a five-year program of cleaning and repair was undertaken in 1970 by Bishop Brian Ashby. As part of the conservation project, the interior was re-ordered and refurbished to meet the needs of contemporary liturgy under the direction of NZ architect Sir Miles Warren.          PLAN

22. STREET POSTER BOARD V

On September 4, 2010 at 4.35 am, Christchurch was struck by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake. Causing upwards of 11,000 aftershocks to date, this earthquake was the first to cause damage to the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. The Diocese of Christchurch began a seismic strengthening restoration. Then on February 22, 2011, a magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck the city, causing considerable damage to the Cathedral. Early indications from engineers indicated it was unlikely the Cathedral could be saved.

23. STREET POSTER BOARD VI

Prior to the February 22 earthquake, a statue of Our Lady sat in the windowsill of the Northern bell tower with her back to the city. During the earthquake, as the bell tower collapsed around her, the statue of Our Lady not only remained undamaged, but also managed to turn a full 180°. When the shaking stopped, Our Lady was left looking out upon the city of Christchurch.

24. STREET POSTER BOARD VII

This poster board shows the removal of the main dome in 2011. Leaving the dome in place after the February quake was hazardous, as it was exerting pressure on the crumbling supporting walls.

25. STREET POSTER BOARD VIII

Since May 2015, the Diocese has expressed the belief that the nave can be saved and other parts rebuilt over time. Finance is obviously a factor and the Diocese has other widespread repair and rebuild work needed across many of its parishes. A sum of $45 million has been set aside to restore the nave. It is estimated that $100 million would be required to rebuild the whole Cathedral. A decision is yet to be made.

26. STREET POSTER BOARD IX

This poster board shows the ruined West wall. This visit to Christchurch has filled me with a deep sense of sadness.

27. THE FUTURE?

In 2018, the newly-installed Bishop of Christchurch, Paul Martin, is considering the future of the cathedral. It will not be an easy decision. This completes our tour of the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament.