Christ Church Cathedral -- one step at a time

Christ Church Cathedral — one step at a time

Friday, November 11th, 2011

Quick! Think Christchurch. What image comes to mind?

It will be different for us all, but they’ll be some common ones. The Avon, the Chalice in the Square, tree-lined streets, trams, the Port Hills. Perhaps, understandably, it might be a picture of quake damage.

But most common of all is likely to be the Cathedral, the mainstay of just about every Christchurch postcard produced. That’s because of its history, its central location and, of course, its beauty.
And it is why, if at all possible, it should be somehow saved, almost regardless of cost.
Which is why it was pleasing yesterday to see it being deconsecrated, opening the way for partial demolition to make what’s left safe.

Pleasing because the whole Cathedral isn’t simply being demolished as so many other buildings have. Pleasing because it’s apparent people are taking a deep breath here (unlike the initial reaction of Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee), taking their time to decide what’s the next best step.

The Government has pitched in on many fronts to assist Christchurch in the wake of the earthquakes, most recently in contributing to a rugby stadium rebuild. That is more than a contribution to a building, it’s an investment in lifting spirits, in showing life can be normal again.
A similar contribution is in order for the Cathedral.

No other building means as much to Christchurch. Its eventual rebuild will empower residents to say “hey, we’ve had an earthquake, but look, we can overcome”. Especially as so many other heritage buildings are no more.

What’s fortunate is that no one died under the Cathedral rubble in February, as was first thought. Certainly, the site would have a different feel if that was the case. For now then, some strengthening, then rescuing of treasures from within. Then some context, provided by time.
In other words, one step at a time. Exactly as is being done.

I wish I had similar hope for the Catholic Basilica, another of Christchurch’s treasured buildings.
As much as I’d love to see it repaired I just don’t see how it’s possible. And that’s a crying shame.