Cathedral now just another ruin -

Cathedral now just another ruin

Friday, November 11th, 2011

On Wednesday the 130-year-old spiritual centrepiece of Christchurch was reduced to an ordinary ruin. And all in the space of half an hour.

Up to 350 people gathered under a leaden sky in Cathedral Square for the service of deconsecration, led by Bishop Victoria Matthews.

They were principally cathedral people but a scattering of civic representatives included earthquake minister Gerry Brownlee, off to one side and darkly attired like a respectful funeral director.

Facing the broken entrance – albeit at a safe distance – the congregation quietly gave thanks for the extraordinary life and ministry of the place since the original consecration by Bishop Henry Harper in November 1881.

Source

Anglicantaonga.org.nz
Image: Anglicantaonga.org.nz

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News category: New Zealand.

Tags: Christchurch Anglican Cathedral, Christchurch earthquake, Deconsecration

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