Cathedral changes

Press, 21 July 1988, Page 21

Cathedral changes

Glass is moved into place above the choir stalls in the chancel of Christchurch Cathedral by Mr Barry Boyd (left) and Mr Mike Bushell.

Work on restructuring the chancel began in June and is scheduled to finish at the end of this month. The Dean of Christchurch, The Very Rev. Dr David Coles, said the work had been organised to allow services to continue at their normal

times. The restructuring is to allow for more open-plan services in keeping with modern liturgical needs.

The structural alternations have included the installation of an altar in the nave to bring the minister closer to the people during services. The wooden chancel screen, choir seats and some flooring have been relocated.

During the relocation of the effigy of Bishop

Harper, the first Bishop of Christchurch, an old bottle with a message in it was found in the base of the effigy. Dr Coles said the message was signed by Bishop Maurice Harper, the son of the man the effigy represents.

“It was dated 1904 and said that the effigy had been relocated that year, so we plan to place a similar message in another bottle and place it beneath the effigy.”