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The posh area of Parnell in Auckland city is a well known residential area of the rich and the wealthy. Their only place of worship was - Old - St. Paul's located at the bottom of the Princes Street. The long distance mattered and so another church was decided to be built which came to be known as the - Old - St. Mary's Church. However within years the growing population of Auckland became an issue and the need for a bigger church was felt. So came into existence the new Cathedral Church of St. Mary, the construction work for which was started in 1886 and completed in 1897. The Cathedral Church of St. Mary in Auckland was later shifted to a new location in 1982 after serving the people of Auckland as their principal Anglican Church till 1973.
Features of Cathedral Church of St. Mary in Auckland
- The Cathedral Church of St. Mary in Auckland was designed by New Zealand's best architect, Benjamin Mountfort. This Cathedral Church was the last large scale project undertaken by him. The Cathedral Church is reminder of the beautiful Romanesque European Cathedrals. - The Cathedral Church is a real work of art. With its innumerable gables and lancet windows, the Cathedral Church of St. Mary in Auckland is renowned all over the world as the largest Gothic Church made out of wood. - The Cathedral Church was initially proposed to be built in stone but owing to the projects expensiveness, the decision was changed and the material came to be used was wood. The artistic designs of the Cathedral Church of ST, Mary's came to be compared with the medieval cathedrals of Europe and it occupied a huge area of 9000 square feet. - The Church started its services in 1888 with only some parts completed. During this time only the Chancel and three Bays of the Nave was constructed. However the construction was completed with four final bays being added to the structure and was consecrated in 1898. - The Gables used in the exterior of the Church are the most outstanding features of this Cathedral Church. The gables often artistically placed above the lancet windows emphasized gothic motifs. - The main entrance to the Church exhibits the full height of the building consisting of one very large gable. With the glass windows and beautiful interiors, the Cathedral Church of St. Mary in Auckland is simply outstanding.
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