FUTURE OF ST. PAUL'S

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 20, 25 January 1938, Page 14

FUTURE OF ST. PAUL'S

OLD PARISHIONERS CONCERNED

Now that there is such a definite plan regarding the Anglican Cathedral for Wellington some of the old parishioners have felt concern about old St. Paul's, which is a much-loved church with a mOst interesting history. It ,is stated in the last number of "The Pilgrim" by the churchwardens, Messrs. E. D. Cachemaille and P. J. Townley, that there is every, prospect of part of the old church being incorporated as an important part of the new cathedral.

The preliminary designs of the cathedral, it is stated, provide for two chapels—a Memorial Chapel to house the flags and other relics and memorials collected after the Great War, and a Lady Chapel eastward of the high altar. It has been suggested that the beautiful timber vaulting of the chancel, the crossing and nave of St. Paul's might, form the roof of this chapel, so that St. Paul's with its sacred memories going back almost to the beginning of church life in the Wellington Province may continue to live as part of the edifice that is to be the centre of the Church life of the diocese, and possibly in years to come of the whole Dominion.

The proposal has not yet been laid before the Church committee, but the architect and the Bishop of Wellington have both expressed themselves as being in entire sympathy with the project, so it is most likely to be accepted and will prove a great pleasure to those who have worshipped for many years in the church and have had all their sacred ceremonies in it. The announcement is made, it is stated, because it is known that many parishioners are sorely grieved and disturbed at the prospect of St. Paul's being either destroyed or removed to some other district where its identity and old associations would be lost. Therefore,'it is felt that the announcement made by the churchwardens will come as a relief and a pleasure, and all will feel-that they can support the new cathedral project with full enthusiasm.