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Lyttelton Times, Volume XVIII, Issue 1056, 24 December 1862, Page 3

CATHEDRAL. CAT-HKOUAI. COMMISSION. The Lord Bishop of Christchurch. His Honor Mr. Justice Grosson. The Venerable the Archdeacon of Akarea. The Rev. H. Jacobs. The Rev. J. Wilßon. A. Barker, Esq. A. Cox, Esq. E. Dobson, Esq. J. E. FitzGerald, Esq. W. J. W. Hamilton, Esq. R, J. S. Harman, Esq. G. Miles, Esq. The Cathedral Commission appointed by the Synod of the Diocese of Christchurch, lias decided to make a public appeal for subscriptions towards the building of the cathedral. The very general and warm approval with which the proposal to begin this great work has been greeted by the public, has convinced the commission that the time has arrived when they may make this appeal with a certain prospect of success. It is true indeed that this great undertaking cannot be carried through by a single impulse, but it is hoped that the interest which has been now excited will be not only lively, but lasting and sustained. It is true that it will call for unusual efforts, and sacrifices of no ordinary kind, and ; those extending over a considerable term of years; for, though a comparatively short time may suffice for the erection of a portion of the building capable of accommodating a large number of worshippers, several years must necessarily elapse before we can expect to see the complete structure stand before us in all its grandeur beauty. Still, so great and enobling a work may well be deemed worthy of every sacrifice; and while sncli great efforts are being made by us to accomplish vast undertakings for convenience and utility, we shall surely be ashamed to grudge expense or exertion in the attempt to raise up one worthy Temple in the midst of us for the worship of our Creator, and as a witness to His Holy Name. The purposes of a Cathedral are manifold. Amongst these are, that it is:—l. A perpetual and conspicuous witness to the presence and majesty of the most Holy Trinity. 2. The church of the diocese, where the Bishop's cathedra or chair is placed, and therefore Representing a branch of the great Christian society in its complete organization of bishop, clergy, and people. 3. A central place of worship for the diocese and for strangers, where all the seats are free forfever and where none may feel that they are intruding on parochial rights.** As the central church of the diocese, it represents the unity, and as open to all strangers, the universality of the Christian church. 4. A sacred edifice, adapted in size and dignity for the performance of specially Episcopal functions, such as that of ordination, and for the assembling together of large numbers of the people on occasions of more than ordinary solemnity. 5. A sanctuary, where pirayer may be daily offered, and the highest office of our religion weekly celebrated, that so the fire of devotion may be rekindled from day to day, the incense of prayer and praise never cease to be offered up in the name and oh behalf of the diocese at large, and while the inhabitant of the city and its neighbourhood may reap the fruit of these blessings continually, the sojourner of a day or of a week may; thankfully embrabe the occasional opportunities, which nothing but this constant circle of holy services could with certainty provide. It has been decided, after much consideration, to adhere to the site already set apart in Cathedral square. Complete plans for the whole Cathedral, by Mr. Gilbert Scott, are in the hands of the commission ; and they have determined to adhere rigidly to a design which is worthy of the great name of its author. It has been decided to commence with building the nave, as being that part of the whole structure whichcan be the most speedily erected, and will accommodate the largest number's in proportion to its cost. On the, most accurate estimate that can be obtained, it: has been calculated that the cost of building the whole nave with sittings for one thousand persons, will amount to about twenty thousand This estimate, whilst not pretending to detailed accuracy, may be relied on as representing the .outside suni which will be necessary to complete the nave, with the temporary east front and chancel fittings; the chancel, choir, and transepts, together with the whole of the tower above the basement remaining as an object for future efforts. The funds already in hand do not exceed £1800, being made up principally of the sum of £1000, reserved for this purpose out of the grant of ten thousand pounds for Church building, voted by the Legislature of the province in the year 1858, and aboiit £700, the amount of subscriptions obtained in England through Mr. FitzGerald. It is confidently anticipated that the public will respond to this appeal with an unwonted liberality. The present is a great' Church building, age, and Englishmen, especially are becoming more and more accustomed to increase their sacrifices and self-deny-ing exertions to accomplish great works of a sacred character. The people of this province, especially, it may be hoped, will regard their Cathedral as an appropriate thank-ofiering to Almighty God for the great and unexampled measure of prosperity which it'has enjoyed from its .foundation. among us on whom God has bestowed wealth will, it is hoped, give back to Him, for the sake of erecting a Temple worthy of His Name, with an open and generous hand, as He has given to Already, in' more than one case which might be mentioned, large sums have been offered* Let the same liberality be she'wn by all in proportion to their means, and then there will be no difficulty in raising even more than the amount required^ By spreading .the payment of the subscriptions, as it ift proposed to do, in the case of those who prefer it, over a term of, years, many will be enabled to offer sums which they could not, otherwise have dreamed of. ■ . Let it be remembered that the cathedral is the work of the whole diocese, and let a great and united effort be made, and we shall accomplish, under the blessing of Almighty God, a work which will impress its character on this.rising people,, and will e . 11 t^ e glpry of our metropolis; and province, and will be pointed at with just pride by our children's children, as a standing memorial of the Christian faith ana zeal of the founders of their country.

Subscriptions will be received by every member .of the commission, and by all the Bankers in the 'dipcege. 5059

THE WEST COAST DIGGINGS. MOST important intelligence. PARTIES ON THEIR WAY TO THE WEST COAST GOLD FIELDS WILL FIND IT GREATLY TO THEIR ADVANTAGE TO GIVE A CALL AT THE LONDON CLOTHING HALL, WHERE YOU CAN GET YOUR TEN T S AT (£2) TWO POUNDS EACH, AND EVERY OTHER OUTFITTING AT LOWEST PRICES. A. ABRAHAMS, * PROPRIETOR. 6057