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Yes, it was glorious, but a great weakness has been horribly exposed – stone buildings are deadly in an earthquake zone.
The Anglican cathedral in the heart of Christchurch has become a forlorn, desolate tomb; felled by a destructive double-act of God. The massive earthquake of 4 September was the first blow which no doubt weakened it; the killer blow came in the form of the latest quake.
At the time of writing no one knows exactly how many are buried beneath its fallen bell tower and spire. But already there are the triumphant proclamations from the city mayor, Bob Parker, and the dean of the cathedral, Peter Beck, that it should be, and will be, rebuilt and restored to its former glory.
However, great weakness has been horribly exposed. Brick and stone buildings become lethal killers in an earthquake zone. My feeling is that, despite our need for national optimism, a stone building in Christchurch can never again be regarded as safe.
That ruined cathedral is like an old oak tree. It has provided shelter and beauty, and witnessed much joy and sorrow over the last 150 odd years. It is time to let it rest in peace, a witness to failure, both divine and human.
Read all of Dallas Graham’s comment
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