ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3073, 3 May 1881, Page 2

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.

The additions and alterations to this church are now in such an advanced state that the new portion of the building will very shortly be in a condition for use in public service. The additions consist of a chancel, organ chamber, and vestry. The choir seats will be in the chancel, so that the space hitherto occupied by the organ and choir will be available for additional sittings. The design of the addition is in Gothic of the sixteenth century date. There is considerable novelty in the treatment of the new i portion, the chancel having an apßidal termination, and high pitched roof, with ornamental wrought iron cross, being flanked on each side by the gables of the ,-A vestry end organ chamber, which are boldly* treated, and terminated with crosses of original design. There are three tracery widows in the chancel, the centre one being the original east window containing stained glass of considerable merit, the window on each side being designed in harmony with it, and fitted with Cathedral tinted lead glazing, arranged in patterns. The effect of these windows is enhanced by the judicious insertion of roundels of coloured glass. The glazing of the whole of the addition is a considerable novelty in this district, being what is technically called quarry glazing of cathedral glass set in lead. The tone of the glass from the interior is remarkably soft and pleasing to the eye. The chancel will be fitted up with stalls in keeping with the .design, and an ornamental rail to the altar space. The present altar table is to be retained, but covered with an embroidered cloth, , and embroidered panels, the gift" of one of the ladies of tbe congregation. The * embroidered cloth for the cover and panels is, we understand, l)eing done ia Auckland. The vestry'land organ chamber will be seperated from the body of the church by ornamental pannelled screens, the upper part :of which consists of open tracery work,' backed with crimson hangiugs, and finished with ft ' '"' ' '' - '■'- ,H

moulded and embattled cornice. The whole of the interior and fittings will be executed in selected matai and kauri. The fittings, including the screens, will he simply oiled and rubbed to bring out the grain of the wood. It is contemplated to refix temporarily the present pulpit and reading-desk until they can be replaced by new ones more in harmony with the new portion of the building. The chancel with be lighted by ornamental brackets and standards, which, together with the altar rail, have been specially designed by Mr R. Lamb. In addition to these alterations it is arranged to remove the tie-beams of the present nave roof, and remodel it so as to bring it into harmony with the new chancel. There are also to be two windows in; the transepts which will harmonise with the new work, and it is very desirable, in order to give the building something like unity, that the whole of the windows should be remodelled to suit the additions. The general effect of the new -portion, as seen from the in terior, will be imposing and handsome. The exterior of the eastern end, with its high pitched roof and gables, is highly picturesque. The roof is slated, and finished with red tile ridging of local manufacture. The plans for this new work were prepared by Messrs Mountfort and Son, 5 of Christchurch, and have been well carried ont under the supervision of Mr R. Lamb, architect, of this town. . We understand that in connection with these additions designs have been prepared for a new narthex or porch for the west end of the building.