STATE OF ST. PAUL’S

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 October 1940, Page 5

STATE OF ST. PAUL’S

CONSIDERABLE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE BUT GENERAL FABRIC UNIMPAIRED. MESSAGES OF SYMPATHY. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, October 13. Speaking in St Paul’s Cathedral today, Canon Alexander said that, though considerable structural damage had been done to the cathedral by the bomb which fell recently, much of what had been destroyed was modern work and it was hoped to replace that with something even more beautiful. Due to the immense strength of Wren’s superstructure, the damage was localised. The priceless choir was untouched, and the general strength of the fabric, so far as was known, was unimpaired. The damaged was not irreparable. Further evidence of the universal horror at the damage done to the cathedral is contained in many telegrams of sympathy which are being received from all parts of the world by the Dean of St Paul’s. Among them is one from the Primate of the Canadian Church, Dr Derwyn Owen, in which he expresses profound sympathy and thankfulness at the survival of the fabric. The Bishop of the Bahamas cables: “Deep sympathy at the destruction in the cathedral from the Church in the Bahamas.” Protestant internees at a central camp at Douglas, Isle of Man, also sent the telegram: “We think with sympathy and intercessions of your church and the congregation, remembering Psalm 102 verses 13 to 22.”