1868: Foundation stone laid at First Church

First Church, pictured during its construction and in modern times. Photos: ODT Files
First Church, pictured during its construction and in modern times. Photos: ODT Files

The foundation or corner-stone of the new, large, and handsome Church, for the First Church of Otago, was laid yesterday, on Church Hill, by the Rev. Dr. Burns, the pastor who came to the Province, with the first settlers, in 1848.

The story of events in connection with the "cutting down" of Bell Hill, which originally prevented the commencement of the new Church in 1862 or 1863, and then led to the erection of the spacious wood building now used by the congregation, has been told often and variously; and it need not be repeated here.

The long discussion in the Synod of Otago and Southland, during its last session, as to the amount which should be allowed to be spent on the new Church, will be fresh in the recollection of many besides Presbyterians.

The facts remain, that the contract for 14,000 for the building has not been disturbed; and that that building will, so far as can at present be inferred, be a worthy "Memorial Church," of the foundation of the Province, and of the venerable minister who has now laid the corner stone of the permanent edifice.

The Church is to be built from plans by Mr R. A. Lawson, architect, Princes street. In October last, we published a detailed description of the intended building; and we shall now confine ourselves to a few particulars as to it.

The Church will be, in design, 13th century Gothic, the leading peculiarity of which is the use of geometrical floriated tracery in the heads of the windows. The building, upon plan, is 150ft.

long; of which 82ft. represents the length of the Church proper, the remainder being occupied by the tower, towards Moray Place, and the library, at the Bay end.

The tower will be 24ft. square, and, including the spire and vane, the total height from the ground-line will be 175ft.

The Church is to built of Oamaru stone, with the basement externally of limestone from Pleasant Valley, and internally of bluestone.

The stone laid yesterday by Dr Burns, is at the north-east angle of the main transept. The whole design will not be completely executed for, probably, about five years; but it is considered likely that the Church will be in use within two years from the present period.

 

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