A NOBLE EDIFICE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 9 January 1931, Page 2

A NOBLE EDIFICE

NELSON CATHEDRAL HOW LONG WILL THE WORK CONTINUE? AN EARNEST APPEAL FOR ASSISTANCE (Contributed) There have been periods in the history of the building of many cathedrals of ancient and modern times when progress seems to have been aiTested for a variety of causes, the lack of finances temporarily being perhaps the chief reason for the suspension of building operations. There are practically only two English Cathedrals in medieval times—Salisbury and St. Paul’s —where the work proceeded without interruption, Salisbury being built in the comparatively short period of forty-six years, while St. Paul’s Cathedral was begun in 1675 and completed in 1710. It is owing to this fact that Salisbury is such a symmetrical and beautiful example of Early English Architecture. While it is time that some of the English Cathedrals possess great charm to the antiquarian and archeologist who delight in tracing the clearly defined periods of architecturein some cases Norman, Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular being clearly merged into each other—it must be admitted that financial stringency at some stage or other in the building of the Cathedral lias been a not unimportant factor. Nor is it to he wondered at when we consider the magnificence of these buildings and the high ideals which prompted the people and builders to give only the best to the worship of God. But in no single case is there the record of a Cathedral that has been left unfinished except in cases where owing to faulty foundations the central tower or spire or some prominent feature has not been carried to its full height. And so these glorious buildings stand to-day as witnesses to man’s faith in the eternal verities and a protest against the materialistic conception that man lives by bread alone. For many years the Cathedral at Christchurch 'rose no higher than the foundations and men pointed with the finger of scorn and said of those responsible for the beginnings. “These men started to build hut were not able to complete.” And yet the day came when the Cathedral was built and it is now one of the most valued and treasured possessions of the city in which every citizen feels he has a personal interest and share. Such a stage has almost been reached in the building of Nelson Cathedral. For some time the question has been asked: “Shall we suspend building operations until such time as greater financial assistance is forthcoming?” Or, “Shall we continue to go steadily forward confident that our needs will he supplied, if, with a single eye to the glory of God we press steadily on with the work?” We must make the decision for the end of our available financial resources is almost in sight. It will he evident- to all who have seen the., part of the Cathedral already erected that it is being built on noble lines and will be a glorious edifice of which the citizens of Nelson will be unspeakably proud. The Cathedral authorities have stood boldly against any suggestion to cheapen the cost by the use of inferior building material, confident that they will have the support of all who desire a truly worthy Cathedral in a city which in all probability will be the centre of University life in days to come. It is not too much to say that when the Cathedral is completed it will he, apart from its ecclesiastical character, one of the. most beautiful architectural buildings in the Dominion. Standing on an incomparable (and historical) site dominating the city, it will be the Mecca of many visitors from all parts of the Dominion and overseas. , .. What policy then shall we adopt? After the most careful consideration we have decided to continue the work as fai as our straitened finances will permit, the amount of work and the. number of workmen employed being strictly conditioned by the financial support forthcoming. It is generally felt that the completion of that portion of the Cathedral now in course of erection will be the most difficult part of the whole scheme to accomplish, as a very substantial sum of money has been set aside, for building the tower and spire and is increasing at the rate of several hundred pounds yearthe confident hope that support will be forthcoming the Cathedral authorities set forth their needs, make an earnest appeal for financial assistance, and, in the meanwhile press forward with the work. How long that work can be continued will depend upon the measure of support accorded.