St Patrick's Basilica, Waimate facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Patrick's Basilica |
|
|---|---|
St Patrick's Basilica, Waimate
|
|
| 44°43′51″S 171°03′05″E / 44.7308°S 171.0515°E | |
| Location | Waimate, South Canterbury |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Denomination | Catholic |
| Website | St Patrick's Basilica, Waimate |
| History | |
| Founded | 1874 |
| Dedication | St Patrick |
| Dedicated | 1909 |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | parish church |
| Architect(s) | Francis Petre |
| Architectural type | Palladian Revival |
| Style | Roman Renaissance |
| Groundbreaking | 1908 |
| Completed | 1909 (tower completed 1912) |
| Administration | |
| Parish | St Patrick's |
| Diocese | Christchurch |
| Province | Wellington |
St Patrick's Basilica is a beautiful church in Waimate, New Zealand. It is famous for its unique building style. The church looks like a mix of old Italian and Roman buildings. It has a fancy covered entrance called a portico. The tower also has cool slatted windows.
The church was built between 1908 and 1909. The tall tower was added a few years later in 1912. This special church is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand. This means it is a very important historical building.
A famous architect named Francis Petre designed the basilica. Many people say this church is his most creative work. It was built to hold 600 people. The church is made of strong concrete with iron and steel inside. The outside is covered with brick and special Oamaru stone. Inside, you can find a large pipe organ, a marble altar, and a beautiful window in the sanctuary.
Contents
The Church Tower and Bells
The tall tower was part of the original design. However, it was not built until 1912. This was because they needed to raise enough money first. The tower stands 45 feet (13.7 meters) high. It reaches 93 feet (28.3 meters) above the ground.
At the very top of the tower, there is an eight-sided copper dome. A cross sits on top of the dome. The tower holds three large bells. These bells were a gift from Nicholas Quinn. He left money for them in his will in 1902.
The bells were made in France by a company called Farnier Fils. This company had been making bells for over 200 years. The bells arrived in Waimate in August 1913. They were ready to be used by late September that year. The largest bell weighs about 812 kilograms (1,790 pounds). The middle bell is about 457 kilograms (1,008 pounds). The smallest bell weighs around 304 kilograms (670 pounds).
Amazing Windows
Above the main entrance, there is a large rose window. It is 14 feet (4.2 meters) wide. More stained glass windows were added over time. This happened as the church received more donations.
In 1922, three special windows were placed near the altar. Mrs. Craighead, Mrs. Harris, and Mr. John Foley donated these windows. Later, four more stained glass windows were added to the church.
The Main Altar
The church's first altar was put in place in 1921. It was made from different types of marble. It also included New Zealand Greenstone. Above the altar, there was a beautiful canopy. This canopy was made of white marble. It was held up by greenstone columns.
Most of this original altar was removed in 1972. This happened during some changes to the church. However, during a restoration project from 2005 to 2009, parts of the old altar rails were found. They were rebuilt and used for side altar rails. The new altar in the church came from a hospital in Christchurch.
The Pipe Organ
St Patrick's Basilica has a large pipe organ. It was built by Arthur Adrian Hobday. Two church members, Patrick and Mrs Hanley, paid for it. The organ was ordered in 1915. But its building was slowed down by World War I. The organ was finally ready in September 1920.
This might be the last organ built by A. A. Hobday. The organ first used a water-powered system. This was changed to an electric fan in 1921. The organ was repaired and made new again in 1996. It was given the name 'Hannah'.
Restoring the Church
In 1972, some changes were made inside the church. The pulpit was taken out. Most of the altar was removed. Statues were either taken away or painted white. The inside of the church was painted grey.
Many of these changes were undone later. A big restoration project started in 2005. The St Patrick's Restoration Trust managed this work. It lasted for several years. The work included a new roof and strengthening the building. They also cleaned the outside and painted the inside. New lights were added too.
The restoration cost $600,000. A lot of the money came from the Lottery Grants Board. Other groups like the Lion Foundation also helped pay for the project.
See also
- Roman Catholic Diocese of Christchurch
In Spanish: Iglesia de San Patricio (Waimate) para niños
