MARSDEN CHURCH HOUSE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 11 October 1922, Page 5

MARSDEN CHURCH HOUSE

AN IMPOSING EDIFICE PROGRESS OF THE WORK , Considering that the Marsdea Church House has been in hand only six months the progress made lias been very marked, and the architects’ general scheme is now apparent to the lay mind, As showing the size of the building it can bo mentioned that 130,000 brieks have been used in its construction, as well as 360 cubic yards of concrete. The brickmakers are now pointing the macks, and the exterior plastering is well in. hand; while the builders are busy w".‘i i',e interior. On 'he gi'Ui.a,! floor entering from Nile street East will be two tine concrete staircases leading up to the main hall, with a large entrance lobby and cloak rooms. On the ground floor will be the library, with a seating capacity for 200 people; three offices; r.e Bishop’s room, a committee room and the clerk's room; as well as a spacious kitchen with'storerooms, cupboards; together with a large strong room 20 by 10. The offices are entered from Melbourne street, with a, further wt lead’ ing to tire eastern side of the building. The upstairs portion is devoled .ntnaiv to a very spacious main hall, capable of easily seating 800 people. The roof is lofty and timbered with trusses of the hammerbeam type. One important feature of the roof, which is supported by 12 xl2 timber, is that the whole of the weight is taken by the foundations of the building. At the Nile street end is a fine reinforced tracery window 19ft. high with two small lancet windows on either side. The roof is now ready to receive the tilqs. From the hall are two doorway leading to fire escapes. The whole structure has the appearance of great strength, and every detail is being watched to see that it will be safe and effective. Messrs Robertson Bros, are the contractors, and the architects express great satisfaction at the rapid progress of the work and the e. v celh‘iit material being used. It is a oped i I.at before! many months the building will be ready for occupation.