NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
One of the visible links of the chain which connects the past history of the colony with the present, was swept away a few weeks ago when the old Presbyterian Church_ in Willis-street had to succumb to the demolishing strokes of ruthless workmen, to make room for another more in keeping with the times and the altered circumstances of the city. Yet many would view its destruction with regret. Those of the conventional " two or three" who had gathered themselves together and raised this representative of the Church of their fathers in the land of their adoption, must have been sad in their remembrance of days forgone, and regretted that the old kirk, with all its hallowed time-honored associations, Bhould be present no longer, except in the mirror of the past—memory. However, the sacrifice was made, the fiat for its demolition went forth, and scarce a month has passed before the skeleton framework of a successor stands in its ■stead. Amongst the many new buildings which are springing into existence this is worthy of more than passing notice for its design is ornamental, though neat and quiet, as befits its character, and standing on a fine commanding site, it will add another pleasing feature to the general appearance of the city. The dimensions of the church are large, 90ft. in length by 37ft. in width. A handsome portico will run along the front, supported by four fluted columns of the Doric order, with pediments, &c. Above rises an open bell-tower, and above this again a spire, the extreme altitude of which will be 100 ft. The entrance to the church will be through three doors from tho portico. The internal arrangements are to be very complete, and conducive to comfort. The auditorium proper will cover a space 70ft. by 45ft.; and the vestibule 9ft. by 26ft.; giving sitting-room for about 450 persons. The seats will be constructed after the most approved style, and arranged concentrically, the mode adopted in most churches of modern build. A gallery will be placed above the vestibule, capable of holding 150 persons. Thus the total sittingroom will accommodate about 600. At the western end of the church, a pulpit platform will be erected, 14ft. by Bft., raised 4ft. from the floor, and enclosed with panel work and ornamental railing. Immediately below and in front, the usual special seats and conveniences for the choir will be placed. Four windows in each side wall, ordinary ground glass, with stained glass borders, mil afford light in day time, and a pair of sunlights at night. Air will be freely supplied by means of patent ventilators. At the back of the church is a suite of rooms, to which access is gained from the church through two doors, one on either side of the pulpit. A couple of anterooms occupy the first floor, and above them is the vestry, 10ft. by 9ft. ; and another larger room for general purposes, 20ft. by 11ft. Leading from these rooms, and upon the same level, is a large schoolroom 59ft. by 41ft. This latter has been pretty well finished, and at present is used for holding Divine service in. Stout rough boards, faced with weatherboards and lined, are to be used in the building ; that plan being adopted to give the structure increased strength and durability, and power to withstand the effects of the weather. So far as we have indicated above, only the framework of the church has been erected, but the formal ceremony of laying the foundation stone will not take place ■ for another fortnight. The architect who has drawn the designs and is in charge of the wfirk is Mr. T. Turnbulll, of TempleChambers. Messrs. Murdoch and Rowe are contractors, and expect to finish the work early in November. The total cost will be about £7OOO.
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New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4438, 10 June 1875, Page 2
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639NEW PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 4438, 10 June 1875, Page 2
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