Planned as the physical and symbolic heart of Christchurch, what stories could Christ Church tell? The tale of this cathedral is one of ambition, setbacks, and ultimately, resilience. It began with the Canterbury Association in 1848. They envisioned a Church of England settlement here.
Christ Church’s story starts in 1851. Ridley Square was renamed Cathedral Square. It honored Nicholas Ridley, a 16th-century martyr. Despite the grand plans, progress was slow. In 1856, Bishop Harper sought designs from Sir George Gilbert Scott. Scott, a leading British Gothic Revival architect, delivered plans in 1862. They featured a stone cathedral with a timber structure.
Did you know that Christ Church is the only church in New Zealand designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott? Robert Speechly, another British architect, was hired to oversee construction. Foundations were laid in 1864. But work stopped in 1865 because of money problems.
Work on Christ Church recommenced in 1873. Local architect Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort became the supervising architect. He was a proponent of the Gothic Revival style. The building was finally consecrated as Christ Church Cathedral in 1881. But it only consisted of the nave, south porches, narthex, tower, spire, and a temporary chancel.
Interestingly, the west porch, designed by Mountfort, wasn’t added until 1894. The original Scott design was only fully completed in 1904. Mountfort passed away in 1898. His son Cyril then took over as supervising architect. He finished the chancel and transepts between 1899 and 1904.
In the 1960s, vestries were added to the north and south, designed by Paul Pascoe. Later, in 1995, a Visitors’ Centre was erected. It was designed by Wilkie and Bruce. Queen Elizabeth II herself opened it. The interior work was largely done between 1881 and 1898. Mountfort supervised and designed it.
The interior of Christ Church featured an outstanding collection. It housed stained-glass windows and Victorian encaustic tiling. There were also carved screens, reredos, and altars. Over time, woven tuku tuku panels and brass plaques were added. A War Memorial Chapel and a Pacific Chapel enriched its history.
Within the grounds, you’ll find the Columbarium. Installed in 2000, it houses the ashes of those who have passed. There’s also the Citizens’ War Memorial, a monument to those who died in World War I. Designed in 1933 and completed in 1937, it features bronze figures. They symbolize Sacrifice, Peace, Valour, Youth, and Justice. A winged Victory figure crowns the memorial. Inextricably, a cross links its design to the Christ Church.
Sadly, earthquakes have tested Christ Church’s strength. The stone spire suffered damage in 1881. Again, in 1888, another earthquake caused further damage. The damaged spire was replaced with a timber frame clad in copper in 1901. The Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 caused severe damage. The tower and spire collapsed. The rose window was destroyed.
In 2020, a concept design was released for the reinstatement project. It will feature new ways to explore the Cathedral. Stabilization, strengthening, and the new centers are all distinct phases. Through donations, the Christ Church Cathedral Reinstatement Project will secure the future of this iconic cathedral.